Robert Kane

The famous book, “The Industrial Resources of Ireland”, was published in 1844 and was a pioneering work which sought to improve Ireland’s wealth by promoting industry, at the same time increasing employment. The message remains equally valid today.
The author was Dublin-born Robert Kane. He had found fame early as a chemist, being the first to propose what came to be known as the ethyl radical, a vitally important organic chemical entity. He devised a method of purifying methyl alcohol and, in a pioneering experiment, he prepared a circular compound, mesitylene, from a linear one, acetone.
While working for the Royal Dublin Society, he wrote his three-volume “Elements of Chemistry” (1840-1841), which was a great international success. In 1845, Robert was appointed Director of the newly-established Museum of Irish Industry. This evolved into the Royal College of Science, and was later absorbed into University College Dublin. In 1845, the Queen’s Colleges at Belfast, Cork and Galway were set up, and Robert became the first President of the Cork College. He received a knighthood in 1846.