Arthur Smithells: Domestic Chemistry for Women?

Abstract

During the early part of the 20th century, a topic which divided women chemists was whether education for girls should be academic chemistry or household chemistry. In this conflict, there was one man’s voice, that of Arthur Smithells. For Smithells, the cause of domestic chemistry was to become a major focus of his career. An account of the life and work of May Leslie is incorporated in this chapter. She did not directly work with him, but it was Smithells who was her life-long mentor.