Complete (?) Collection of Chaim (Charles) Weizmann's chemical patents (88 in number)

AUCTION 23 | Tuesday, March 30th, 2004 at 1:00
Hebrew Printed Books & Manuscripts from The Rare Book Room of the Jews College Library, London The Third Portion

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Lot 208
WEIZMANN, CHAIM

Complete (?) Collection of Chaim (Charles) Weizmann's chemical patents (88 in number)

Original wrappers. 4to

Manchester: 1905-1947

Est: $4,000 - $6,000
PRICE REALIZED $3,250
Russian-born Chaim Weizmann (1874-1952), one of the founding fathers of modern-day Zionism and first President of the State of Israel, led an illustrious career as Professor of chemistry at Manchester University. He was the inventor of processes that contributed to the production of synthetic rubber (caoutchouc) and acetone (an essential ingredient in the manufacture of explosives), and to the refinement of oil. It is believed by many that it was Weizmann's distinction as a chemist, especially his work on acetone, that ingratiated him with the British Government and led to the Balfour Declaration of 1917 which provided for a Jewish homeland in then Palestine. Years later, in recognition of his accomplishments in the field of science, The Weizmann Institute was opened in the city of Rehovot, where Chaim and Vera Weizmann spent their final days. The present collection spans the entire career of “Charles Weizmann” (as he called himself) from 1905 to 1947. See EJ, Vol. XVI, cols. 423-438.