Background
Bryce-Smith, Derek was born on April 29, 1926 in London. Son of Charles Philip and Amelia (Thick) Smith.
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Derek Bryce-Smith
Edit ProfileEducation
Bachelor of Science, London U., 1945; Bachelor of Science Special, London U., 1948; Doctor of Philosophy, London U., 1951; Doctor of Science, London U., 1960.
Career
His work included organometallic chemistry, radical chemistry and photochemistry. He was among the first to describe the dangers of tetraethyl lead, which was used for several decades as an anti-knock additive in petrol. Initially, his concerns were dismissed both by his fellow academics and by industrial interests.
He subsequently became convinced that the use of NPK fertilisers in agriculture resulted in a lack of the essential trace element, zinc in modern (particularly vegetarian) diets.
His pioneering views were again widely dismissed, becoming mainstream years later. An account of both campaigns is given in a book he co-authored with Liz Hodgkinson.
Achievements
Interests
Connections
Married Marjorie Mary Anne Stewart, September 8, 1956 (deceased 1966). Children: Madeleine Anne, Duncan Charles, Hazel Virginia, David Alexander. Married Pamela Joyce Thorndahl, June 21, 1969.
