My friend Frederick Kurzer, who has died aged 95, was reader in chemistry at the Royal Free hospital school of medicine and a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for more than 70 years.
The son of Jacques Kurzer, a dealer in oriental rugs, and his wife, Rosa (nee Löwy), Frederick was born in the spa town of Carlsbad (now Karlovy Vary) in the German-speaking area of what was then Czechoslovakia. With one sister, Dorothy, he lived in Carlsbad and went to the local school until 1939, when the family fled to London to escape the Nazis. He attended Clark’s college, Cricklewood, and from there went to Regent Street Polytechnic (now part of the University of Westminster), where he studied for a chemistry degree. In 1940, like many German-speaking Jewish men, he was interned by the British government on the Isle of Man.
He resumed his degree at Chelsea College in 1941, graduating in 1944. Gaining a doctorate in 1947, he became assistant lecturer at King’s College hospital school of medicine (1946-49), then took posts as lecturer, senior lecturer and, finally, reader in chemistry at the Royal Free Hospital school of medicine in London until his retirement in 1987.
As well as lecturing to medical students in chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacy, Fred was also responsible for a research laboratory specialising in organic chemistry that attracted many doctoral students. He was my supervisor and we published several research papers together.
Fred was modest and kind with a wry sense of humour. Not only was he highly respected as a chemist, but in addition had interests outside the laboratory, particularly in the history of science.
In retirement he published significant papers on the chemical work of Samuel Parkes, Charles Tomlinson, William Hasledine Pepys, Arthur Church’s work on the Palace of Westminster frescoes, and the lexicographer Samuel Johnson. He also studied the scientific activities of the enquiring minds of the 19th-century Surrey and London Institutions.
Fred was well versed in the arts and humanities, with a great love of classical music, books and ornithology. He especially enjoyed long walks by the Thames and in the Lea Valley.
After hospital treatment three years ago, he reluctantly moved from his London flat to a residential home, taking his writing desk and chair, and continuing to work most mornings.
He is survived by a nephew, William, and cousin, Heinz.
