IRA REMSEN, the university’s first chemistry professor, came to Hopkins in 1876. Also a medical doctor, he had a profound influence on the field of chemistry through the standard-setting texts he wrote, his editorship of the American Chemical Journal, and his former students who went on to lead chemistry departments at other U.S. universities. He is best known for his co-discovery of saccharine in 1887.
In 1901, Dr. Remsen became the second president of the university. He continued to teach chemistry as well, until he retired in 1913. He presided over Johns Hopkins during a time of transition, developing plans to move the Arts and Sciences campus from downtown Baltimore to its current location at Homewood. Prior to his death in 1927, he was honored by the American Chemical Society at the opening of Hopkins’ new chemistry building, named Remsen Hall in his honor.
CHAIRHOLDER TO BE NAMED