LOSS TO SCIENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 16, 20 January 1939, Page 10

LOSS TO SCIENCE.

DR. J. S. MACLAURIN'S DEATH, v MANY VALUABLE RESEARCHES. Through the death of Dr. J. S. Maclaurin, which occurred in Wellington yesterday, Xew Zealand has lost one of her most noted scientists. Dr. Maclaurin, who was aged 74, was formerly Dominion analyst and chief inspector of explosives. Educated at the Auckland flrammar School and Auckland University College, lie graduated B.Se. with first-class honours in chemistry, and through the excellence of his chemical work was elected a Fellow of the Chemical Society of London. He was the tirst Xew Zea-

land pin dilute to be thus honoured. Dr. Maclaurin was also awarded the 1851 exhibition scholarship, but not wishing to fro abroad he relinquished it, and it went to the late Lord Rutherford. For a thesis on the solution of gold in cyanide Dr. Maolaurin pained the decree of doctor of science in IHO7. This thesis huts since become a classic, and is quoted in all text books dealing with tlie metallurgy of gold. In 11>0I he joined the Mines Department. The scope of the lalxiratory steadily increased and eventually it came under control of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Dr. Maclaurin took a prominent part in framing the safety in mines regulation*, and also had much to do with the food and drugs regulation*. His chemical researches included dried milk, composition of mineral waters, radium contents of the springs at Rotorua and Taupo, and kauri gum. During his retirement he carried out flax researches. Dr. Maclaurin refused many offers to enter industrial life, preferring to remain in the Government service. He is survived by his wife, two sons, Drs. Colin and. William Maclaurin, and two daughters.