Hermann Emil Fischer Biography

Emil Fischer was a renowned German chemist of the nineteenth century who did pioneering work in the field of organic chemistry. Hailing from a business oriented family, Fischer’s life would have been radically different had he given into the will of his father, who wanted his only son to succeed his business. But with his determination, he completed his education from reputed institutes like University of Bonn and University of Strasbourg. His mentor Adolph von Baeyer developed Emil’s interest in organic chemistry and the latter went on to win a Nobel Prize for his contribution to the field. Though his very first discovery, a derivative of hydrazine was dismissed by many as a mere fluke, he silenced his critics with his further discoveries. The caffeine which is the main ingredient in beverages like coffee, was first discovered by this eminent chemist. He identified the class of compounds similar to caffeine and named them as purines. He was also involved in significant research work related to sugars, proteins and enzymes. The renowned scientist has left behind a great scientific legacy and many of his theories and concepts such as the ‘Fischer Projection’ method and ‘Fischer esterification’ still hold good. Read on the following biography to know more about the life and works of this great scientific mind.