Story: Physics, chemistry and mathematics

Joseph Mellor, ceramic chemist

Joseph Mellor, ceramic chemist

Ceramic chemist Joseph Mellor demonstrates equations, around 1904. Mellor's research transformed the British ceramics industry, as well as boosting British steel production in the First World War. Mellor was even better known for the large number of textbooks he wrote on organic and inorganic chemistry. Born in Huddersfield, England, he came out to New Zealand in 1879 at the age of 10. He studied at Otago University after years of working as a bootmaker and attending night classes. Mellor returned to England in 1898.

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Hocken Library, University of Otago
Reference: S14-014b

Permission of the Hocken Library Uare Taoka o Hakena, University of Otago, must be obtained before any re-use of this image. Further information may be obtained from the Library through its website.

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How to cite this page:

Rebecca Priestley, 'Physics, chemistry and mathematics - New Zealand mathematicians and chemists overseas', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/43371/joseph-mellor-ceramic-chemist (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Rebecca Priestley, published 22 Oct 2014