Rosalind Franklin

Rosalind Elsie Franklin (25 July, 1920 - 16 April, 1958) was a British physical chemist and crystallographer who made important contributions to the understanding of the fine structures of coal and graphite, DNA and viruses.

Background

Rosalind Franklin was born in London in the United Kingdom to , into an affluent and influential Anglo-Jewish family. Her great uncle was Herbert Samuel{{ref|maddox3}} (later Viscount Samuel) who was the first practising Jew to serve in the British Cabinet, as Home Secretary in 1916 {{ref label|maddox3|1|a}}. He was also the first High Commissioner (effectively governor) for the British Mandate of Palestine{{ref label|maddox3|1|a}}. Her aunt Helen was married to Norman Bentwich who was Attorney General in the Palestine {{ref|samuel}}. Dr Franklin was educated at St Paul's Girls' School{{ref|maddox4}} where she excelled in science{{ref|maddox5}} and sport{{ref|maddox6}}. Her family were actively involved in a local Working Men's College, where her father taught in the evenings. Later they helped settle Jewish refugees from Europe who had escaped the Nazis{{ref|maddox1}}.

Related Topics:
London - United Kingdom - Herbert Samuel - Viscount - Cabinet - Home Secretary - British Mandate of Palestine - Nazi

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