{"id":13895,"date":"2024-11-25T21:15:50","date_gmt":"2024-11-25T21:15:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/?p=13895"},"modified":"2024-11-25T21:15:52","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T21:15:52","slug":"robert-angus-smith-the-chemist-who-discovered-acid-rain-in-manchester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/eternal-robert-angus-smith-the-chemist-who-discovered-acid-rain-in-manchester","title":{"rendered":"Robert Angus Smith: The Chemist Who Discovered Acid Rain in Manchester"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the 21st century, the phenomenon of acid rain is widely understood, especially by those living in industrial regions. Acid rain refers to precipitation that contains high concentrations of acidic compounds, such as sulfuric acid and nitrogen oxides. These substances are byproducts of industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and other sources. They react with atmospheric air and water vapor to form acidic compounds, which can cause severe ecological damage upon falling to the ground, including soil and water pollution, harm to vegetation, biodiversity loss, and even infrastructure degradation. Additionally, acid rain can adversely affect human health, causing respiratory and skin issues. This phenomenon was first identified in 1852 by Manchester chemist and scientist Robert Angus Smith. Read on at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/uk\/\">imanchester.info<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a1bb88c8d00b\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a1bb88c8d00b\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/eternal-robert-angus-smith-the-chemist-who-discovered-acid-rain-in-manchester\/#About_the_Chemist\" >About the Chemist<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/eternal-robert-angus-smith-the-chemist-who-discovered-acid-rain-in-manchester\/#How_Robert_Ended_Up_in_Manchester\" >How Robert Ended Up in Manchester<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/eternal-robert-angus-smith-the-chemist-who-discovered-acid-rain-in-manchester\/#The_Challenges_Manchester_Faced_in_the_19th_Century\" >The Challenges Manchester Faced in the 19th Century<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/eternal-robert-angus-smith-the-chemist-who-discovered-acid-rain-in-manchester\/#Acid_Rain_in_Manchester\" >Acid Rain in Manchester<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/eternal-robert-angus-smith-the-chemist-who-discovered-acid-rain-in-manchester\/#Resistance_to_Smiths_Discoveries\" >Resistance to Smith\u2019s Discoveries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/eternal-robert-angus-smith-the-chemist-who-discovered-acid-rain-in-manchester\/#An_Intriguing_Personal_Interest\" >An Intriguing Personal Interest<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_the_Chemist\"><\/span>About the Chemist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.imanchester.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2024\/06\/17193711\/ad_4nxcd_vbo328foyti0agu0dw_rmbljyl1gtgr9r3zj8ktzmukinppr_ejtbz-ojkxeusz0afo6k0r_ge6h2u8ggvdovfozoa-umu9x_uskyq3a0jnj79aj0j8vmyy0ahxnlso0n7pzfqn4do57_wpdwtpgmagkeybar6df885zxexbwcaw2pca.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Robert Angus Smith was a Scottish chemist born in 1817 in Pollokshaws, Glasgow. His life coincided with the Industrial Revolution, which was reshaping Britain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not much is known about Smith\u2019s early years. After completing school, he enrolled at the University of Glasgow, initially planning to serve in the Church of Scotland. However, he soon realized that clerical life was not his calling. Leaving university, he took up various jobs, which eventually led him to Germany, where he discovered his passion for chemistry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Germany, Smith studied under renowned chemist Justus von Liebig, whose mentorship not only instilled a love for science but also equipped him with a wealth of knowledge. Smith\u2019s passion for chemistry grew with each passing day, setting the foundation for his future groundbreaking work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Robert_Ended_Up_in_Manchester\"><\/span>How Robert Ended Up in Manchester<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.imanchester.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2024\/06\/17193711\/ad_4nxdvielb9wn10ej3sh8btal12uek9dycqnhno8egnrnyutbm9n7lk7blzpp-w9bdtssjbbvy5yc3xzi3tqdnfsrftabjub6auntbhognm7jnltynmeczk5lf16x2hva8fma79lswhmmcn3wg640qls9ulwokeybar6df885zxexbwcaw2pca.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After completing his education in Germany, Smith returned to Britain, unsure of how to continue his scientific career. He briefly considered returning to the church, but fate intervened. He was invited to Manchester to work at Lyon Playfair\u2019s chemical laboratory, based at the Royal Manchester Institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was in Manchester that Smith began his research into the city\u2019s environmental issues. During the 1830s and 1840s, Manchester, as the world\u2019s first industrial city, was grappling with numerous challenges stemming from industrialization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gaining experience, Smith began working as an independent analytical chemist. At the time, this profession was rife with corruption, and Smith\u2019s integrity occasionally led him to refuse work as an expert witness in court cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His honesty and transparency earned him a solid reputation. When the Alkali Act of 1863 established the Alkali Inspectorate, Smith was the first choice for chief inspector. As Queen Victoria\u2019s chief inspector of alkali works, he became a model scientific civil servant, holding the position until his death. Smith exemplified how integrity, kindness, and strong principles could lead to success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Challenges_Manchester_Faced_in_the_19th_Century\"><\/span>The Challenges Manchester Faced in the 19th Century<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.imanchester.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2024\/06\/17193710\/ad_4nxc5k5jzt63tbydotfz6dlwwdtvlxz84_cxxi-r7uuecm04j7mtclj0nx3lvkuvpigpniyx7vdyfncakjpojxnonedgx0actlarcpmy1fr_wjezqvmwrhojlo1rokws_mmfarb6irzoq5tv5poatir_1ee3rkeybar6df885zxexbwcaw2pca.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>During the mid-19th century, when Smith was working in Manchester, the city was thriving as an industrial hub. However, rapid industrialization brought not only economic growth and the title of the \u201cfirst industrial city\u201d but also significant environmental consequences. Key issues included air and water pollution. Textile mills and factories released smoke and soot into the air, while rivers turned black from industrial waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As chief inspector under the Alkali Act, Smith conducted detailed investigations and monitored industrial pollution in Manchester. His main responsibility was to oversee local factories and enforce regulations to reduce harmful emissions. This was no easy task, given the systemic corruption that had plagued the industry for decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Acid_Rain_in_Manchester\"><\/span>Acid Rain in Manchester<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.imanchester.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2024\/06\/17193709\/ad_4nxfuluy1o-cw7yva54lfs2phio6em0lxvk3ru3mm-k306y_pq3ajbwpaiibriheuzwpbzrxgsej6dt93o80aajfhql0n1zmrfhc8mdqiwfagbxjb8psu5f0skl1988ptnk689tkpb0ecwb3lzncik2gf7shukeybar6df885zxexbwcaw2pca.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Smith\u2019s most significant scientific contribution was his meticulous study of air pollution. He was among the first to systematically collect and analyze rainwater, noting varying levels of acidity. Smith discovered that rainfall in industrial areas, particularly Manchester, was significantly more acidic than in rural regions. He identified sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, produced by coal burning and other industrial processes, as the primary culprits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1852, Smith made the groundbreaking discovery of acid rain. He later published a book, <em>Air and Rain: The Beginnings of a Chemical Climatology<\/em> (1872), which compiled his early studies of atmospheric chemistry conducted in Manchester. The book detailed the acidic nature of precipitation and its harmful effects on the environment, human health, and even architecture. His work was revolutionary, directly linking industrial activity to environmental pollution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For his contributions to science, Smith was named an honorary member of the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Resistance_to_Smiths_Discoveries\"><\/span>Resistance to Smith\u2019s Discoveries<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the importance of his findings, Smith faced significant resistance, particularly from industrialists. In the 19th century, industrial progress often took precedence over environmental concerns. Many business owners refused to acknowledge the negative impacts of their activities, fearing economic repercussions. Some even attempted to bribe Smith, but he steadfastly upheld his principles. He continued advocating for stricter regulations and improved industrial practices, emphasizing the long-term benefits of a cleaner environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Smith passed away in 1884 at the age of 67.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_Intriguing_Personal_Interest\"><\/span>An Intriguing Personal Interest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to his work in chemistry, Smith developed a fascination with spiritualism later in life. In 1870, he attended a s\u00e9ance and often corresponded with a friend about such matters, though he refrained from publicly disclosing his interest to protect his scientific reputation. He was a member of the Society for Psychical Research, and his library contained over 80 books on occult topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.imanchester.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2024\/06\/17193707\/ad_4nxfix6wrce_e1pke_sb-cbrau2m0-gnupteijc99pnrhufzvttbsrbqf5gs7vu_unlderyhnocbvr46aphkxvhabutxsveqnegc5fdnkeq-wwdzzwftlh7g50bxyzrvu3zs2eys_5fk5lyfd1vaytvaaxh5lkeybar6df885zxexbwcaw2pca.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the 21st century, the phenomenon of acid rain is widely understood, especially by those living in industrial regions. Acid rain refers to precipitation that contains high concentrations of acidic compounds, such as sulfuric acid and nitrogen oxides. These substances are byproducts of industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and other sources. They react with atmospheric air [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":514,"featured_media":13368,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4819],"tags":[6431,6434,6441,6428,6435,6437,6429,6438,6432,6443,6440,6430,6442,6433,6436],"motype":[4825],"moformat":[83],"moimportance":[32,35],"class_list":{"0":"post-13895","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-innovator","8":"tag-19th-century-manchester","9":"tag-acid-rain-discovery","10":"tag-acid-rain-environmental-impact","11":"tag-air-and-rain-book","12":"tag-atmospheric-chemistry-pioneer","13":"tag-british-chemist-legacy","14":"tag-early-climate-studies","15":"tag-environmental-scientist-history","16":"tag-industrial-city-challenges","17":"tag-industrial-environmental-challenges","18":"tag-industrial-revolution-pollution","19":"tag-justus-von-liebig-student","20":"tag-manchester-pollution-research","21":"tag-queen-victorias-alkali-inspector","22":"tag-robert-angus-smith-biography","23":"motype-eternal","24":"moformat-longread-short","25":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","26":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13895","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/514"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13895"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13895\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13896,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13895\/revisions\/13896"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13368"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13895"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13895"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13895"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=13895"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=13895"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imanchester.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=13895"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}