Nova Scotian Institute of Science - Hall of Fame
- Carl Cowan Coffin
- Born: 14 Mar 1903, Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia
- Died: Jan 1954, Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Field: Chemist
In 1942, Coffin was
made Head of the Chemistry Department at Dalhousie University, holding the McLeod Chair of Chemistry for two years, and was then appointed to the newly established Harry Shirreff Chair of Chemical Research.
At Dalhousie, Coffin and his students carried out work of great importance. A series of twelve papers on the kinetics of the decomposition of esters played an important part in the
development of chemical kinetics, and in particular in the theory of unimolecular reactions. Other major fields of work produced investi gations on "explosive" antimony, on the development
of a new method of calorimetry, and a variety of papers on development of experimental methods. He built up over the years a notable school of physical chemistry at Dalhousie.
Coffin had a great influence on the development of Canadian chemistry, and in particular on the development of scientific research at Dalhousie. In recognition of his attainments he was
elected a member of the Royal Society of Canada in 1935 at the early age of 32.