Biography.guide
Home › People › Chemist › James William McBain
Portrait of James William McBain

James William McBain

1882 – 1953

Canadian chemist

Don't just read it — keep itBiographies to ownE-book · Audio · Video From $7 →

About James William McBain

Lived 1882 – 1953 (aged 70). James William McBain was a Canadian chemist, known for Colloidal chemistry.

James William McBain (March 22, 1882 – March 12, 1953) was a Canadian chemist.

He gained a Master of Arts at Toronto University and a Doctor of Science at Heidelberg University.

He carried out pioneering work in the area of micelles at the University of Bristol. As early as 1913 he postulated the existence of "colloidal ions", now known as micelles, to explain the good electrolytic conductivity of sodium palmitate solutions. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in May 1923 He won their Davy Medal in 1939.

Biography shop

Don’t just read it —
keep it.

Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.

  • E-book
  • Audio
  • Video
Browse the shop — from $7

Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free

Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Known for
Colloidal chemistry
Education
University of Toronto, Heidelberg University, Bristol University, Stanford University
Employers
Stanford University
Awards
Fellow of the Royal Society; Davy Medal

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped James William McBain's

Frequently asked questions

Who was James William McBain?

Canadian chemist (1882–1953)

When was James William McBain born?

James William McBain was born on 22 March 1882 in Chatham.

When did James William McBain die?

James William McBain died on 12 March 1953 in Palo Alto.

What was James William McBain's occupation?

James William McBain was a chemist.

What was James William McBain known for?

James William McBain was known for Colloidal chemistry.

What nationality was James William McBain?

James William McBain was Canadian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: James William McBain

· Wikidata: Q3806766

· DBpedia: James William McBain

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James William McBain. https://biography.guide/james-william-mcbain/

MLA: "James William McBain." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-william-mcbain/.

Chicago: "James William McBain." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-william-mcbain/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Page generated 2026-09-27 05:27 UTC