Professor Adolf von Baeyer, c mid-20th century

Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Adolf von Baeyer, born 31 October 1835, died 20 August 1917, was a German chemist who is known for synthesising indigo, an organic dye compound. Baeyer was ennobled in the Kingdom of Bavaria, adding the 'von' to his name. Baeyer was also won the 1905 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Baeyer began chemical experimentation from the age of nine, synthesising a previously unknown chemical compound, and initiated his lifework on his 13th birthday, buying indigo to begin his synthesis experiments. He enrolled at Berlin University to study physics and mathematics. He served briefly in the Prussian army in 1856, and then he returned to study at the University of Heidelberg, studying chemistry under Robert Bunsen. Baeyer completed his PhD thesis in 1858, after which he went to the University of Ghent, and also worked at the University of Munich. In 1868, Baeyer married Adelheid Bendemann, and they had three children. Baeyer died in 1917, aged 81. Baeyer received many honours in his life, including the Davy Medal of the Royal Society, the Prussian Academy of Sciences, Foreign Member of the Royal Society (1885), International Member of the American Philosophical Society (1910). the Adolf von Baeyer Medal is named for him and has been awarded since 1911.