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Robert John Kane

1809 – 1890

Irish chemist

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About Robert John Kane

Lived 1809 – 1890 (aged 80). Robert John Kane was a British chemist, non-fiction writer and physician.

Sir Robert John Kane (24 September 1809 – 16 February 1890) was an Irish chemist and educator.

The young Kane studied chemistry at his father's factory, and attended lectures at the Royal Dublin Society as a teenager. The following year, his description of the natural arsenide of manganese resulted in the compound being named Kaneite in his honour. He studied medicine at Trinity College, Dublin, graduating in 1834 whilst working in the Meath Hospital. He was appointed Professor of Chemistry at the Apothecaries' Hall, Dublin in 1831, which earned him the moniker of the "boy professor".

He published a three-volume Elements of Chemistry in 1841–1844, and a detailed report on the Industrial Resources of Ireland.

Also in 1845 he became the first President of Queen's College, Cork (now University College Cork). Kane's eldest son Robert Romney Kane was known as a barrister. The second son, Henry Coey Kane, became an admiral in the Royal Navy.

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Important facts

Birth century
Education
Trinity College, Dublin, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin
Awards
Fellow of the Royal Society; Royal Medal; Cunningham Medal; Knight Bachelor
Also known as
Robert Kane, Sir Robert Kane, Sir Robert John Kane

People in Robert John Kane's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Robert John Kane's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Robert John Kane?

Irish chemist (1809-1890)

When was Robert John Kane born?

Robert John Kane was born on 24 September 1809 in Dublin.

When did Robert John Kane die?

Robert John Kane died on 16 February 1890 in Dublin.

What was Robert John Kane's occupation?

Robert John Kane was a chemist, non-fiction writer and physician.

What nationality was Robert John Kane?

Robert John Kane was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Robert John Kane

· Wikidata: Q743183

· DBpedia: Robert Kane (chemist)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Robert John Kane. https://biography.guide/robert-john-kane/

MLA: "Robert John Kane." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/robert-john-kane/.

Chicago: "Robert John Kane." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/robert-john-kane/.

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