Richard Hoyt Lee 1
Who is the person for whom we name the annual SMSI award for excellence in microscopy in the USA? Emile Monnin Chamot ("Chammy") was a native of Buffalo, New York, and enrolled in Cornell University in 1887. He was awarded the B.S. degree in 1891 and did his senior work under G.C. Caldwell, the first head of the Chemistry Department.
Caldwell possessed two light microscopes which he applied to the study or various crystalline phases he had prepared. Chamot was appointed instructor in 1891 and continued graduate studies with Dr. Caldwell, qualifying for the doctorate degree in 1897. His interests in the organic aspects of microscopy and toxicology were stimulated by Caldwell and a classmate, Lomax. Although Chamot then traveled to Europe to work with Behrens at Delft, he became perhaps Behrens' first pupil of inorganic qualitative microscopical analysis.
Upon returning to Cornell as assistant professor, Chamot initiated courses in chemical microscopy, for which Cornell was to become a center. Chamot also rendered to the community valuable service as a consultant in sanitary chemistry and proper water purification treatment. In 1910 he was promoted to Professor, teaching courses in microscopy, toxicology, and sanitary chemistry. When sanitary chemistry and toxicology were transferred to other departments, he concentrated on microscopy and metallography. Chamot published the pioneering book, Elementary Chemical Microscopy, in 1915 and another book with C. Mason, Handbook of Chemical Microscopy, in 1930. He was instrumental in planning the instruction and building the microscopy laboratories for the Department of Chemistry at Cornell. When the bachelor of chemistry degree was established in 1911, microscopical methods were made a part of the curriculum. During World War 1, Professor Chamot carried out an extensive study of explosive primers for the Ordinance Department.
Chammy loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing for trout. He always walked to the laboratory and was remembered as a small, quiet and friendly person. Because of his enormous store of knowledge, he was in demand as an expert consultant. After 53 years of association with Cornell from student to Emeritus Professor, he died in 1950 . Only his modesty would prevent him from being credited with creating the field of chemical microscopy and "preaching" its value.
Laubengayer, A.W., Chem. Dept. Newsletter, Baker Laboratory: Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
Mason, C.W., Industrial and Engineering Chemistry (Analytical Edition), June 15, 1939, 11 (6), 341-3.
FOOTNOTES
1 Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439