# Robert Warington Recognized with Blue Plaque for His Contributions to Chemistry
Robert Warington, the trailblazer of the Chemical Society, which eventually evolved into the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), has been celebrated with a distinguished blue plaque by the [Otter Valley Association](https://www.ova.org.uk/otter-valley-blue-plaques). The plaque was revealed on **16 March** at Warington’s previous residence in **Budleigh Salterton, UK**, in honor of his significant contributions to the chemistry discipline and his pivotal role in founding one of the most influential chemical societies globally.
The ceremony was spearheaded by **Gill Reid**, former president of the RSC, along with Warington’s **great, great granddaughter, Sheila Salmon**, who both commemorated his enduring legacy. The blue plaque initiative, originally established in **1866**, aims to recognize prominent historical figures and the locations where they resided and worked.
## The Visionary Behind the Chemical Society
Robert Warington (1807–1867) was instrumental in the establishment of the **Chemical Society of London**, the precursor to today’s **Royal Society of Chemistry**. His commitment to the progress of the chemistry field earned him the designation of **”the driving force behind the society,”** as noted by historian **Robert Bud** in the *March 1991 edition of Chemistry of Britain*.
Warington’s zeal for chemistry became apparent early in his professional journey. After serving as an **assistant at London’s University College**, he joined **Truman’s Brewery** in the 1830s before carving out a niche as an **independent analyst** in 1839. He was motivated by a strong conviction regarding the necessity for a society where professional chemists could participate in **private discussions and debates**, as opposed to the common practice of publishing pamphlets and letters at that time.
This aspiration led him to embark on discussions aimed at forming a **cohesive body of chemists**. On **23 February 1841**, Warington and a group of **25 prominent scientists** convened at the **Royal Society of Arts**. Shortly thereafter, on **30 March 1841**, the **Chemical Society of London** was officially established with **77 members**, under the leadership of **Professor Thomas Graham** from the **Andersonian Institution in Glasgow**. Warington held the position of **secretary of the society for a decade**, contributing to its formation and establishing its professional integrity.
## The Expansion of the Chemical Society
Over the subsequent decades, the Chemical Society flourished, expanding in influence and membership. Ultimately, in **1980**, it integrated with **the Society of Analytical Chemistry, the Royal Institute of Chemistry, and the Faraday Society** to form **the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)**. It was awarded a **Royal Charter**, and presently, the **RSC is based at Burlington House in London** with over **55,000 members globally**.
At the plaque unveiling event, **Gill Reid** underscored Warington’s **pivotal role in bringing chemists together** to promote the discipline. She remarked:
> *”The Royal Society of Chemistry is a catalyst for the chemistry that enhances the world, and I honor Robert Warington, who leaves an extraordinary legacy.”*
## Warington’s Scientific Contributions
In addition to his professional chemistry contributions, Warington also achieved a notable breakthrough in **aquatic biology**. He uncovered the **‘aquarium principle,’** showing that plants placed in a sealed water container could **generate sufficient oxygen to support aquatic life**, provided the number of animals was meticulously regulated.
This finding was foundational in shifting the modern comprehension of **ecological balance in aquariums** and remains a key concept in **aquaculture and environmental science** today.
## A Family’s Homage
During the unveiling ceremony, **Warington’s great, great granddaughter, Sheila Salmon**, conveyed her family’s pride in his accomplishments. She highlighted an **obituary penned by Warington’s son, Robert Warington Jr**, for the **Royal Society**, which portrayed his father as:
> *”A man of exceedingly cheerful character and genial disposition, with great enthusiasm for all contributions to chemical fact… It was to qualities of this kind, rather than to eminence as a chemist, that my father owed his fitness for the work which he carried out.”*
## An Enduring Legacy
As one of the **trailblazers of modern chemistry**, Robert Warington’s contributions continue to influence the field today. His **commitment to establishing a professional society**, his **advancements in aquatic science**, and his **leadership in chemistry** have created a lasting impact.
The unveiling of the **blue plaque in Budleigh Salterton** stands as a fitting homage to a man whose passion for chemistry