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Even though many chemists had tried and failed, Henri managed to
isolate the compound fluorine in 1886 and it was in the year 1906 that he was awarded the
Nobel Prize in Stockholm for his achievements in both this and the invention and
development of the electric arc furnace.
He was the very first French chemist to receive a Nobel Prize and was also only the second
ever Jew in history to be awarded such honourable distinction and the electric arc furnace
that Henri had described for the first time in 1892 was improved upon later and this is
what opened the way to the new field of high-temperature chemistry.
Henri Moissan actually beat the famous Russian scientist Dmitri Mendeleev to the coveted
Nobel Prize, but unfortunately he passed away at the age of 54 from acute appendicitis in
the February of 1907 very shortly after returning to Paris
from his trip to Stockholm where he was presented the award.
Now this particular museum in Paris that is dedicated to
this incredible chemist and his life is actually situated in the 6th arrondissement and is
maintained by the Universit? Ren? Descartes.
This is where you can not only view his scientific instruments of work and his creative
genius, but also includes photographs, his medals and awards, plus items from his own
private collection of memorabilia as well.
However, the Musee Moissan is only open by prior appointment on a Monday to Friday and as
with many Paris museums, photography is allowed,
but without the use of a flash.
The nearest Metro station is the Notre-Dame des Champs and there are lots of other museums
in the area including the Musee Delacroix,
Musee Zadkine and the Musee de la Monnaie, so if you are staying in
this area of Paris, then there are plenty of places to visit depending upon your
interests.
By the way, the last points we would like to make about the Musee Moissan is that it is
actually not very accessible to the disabled, but the tours are guided with no fixed fee,
although a nominal payment is appreciated.
Address & Contact Details:
Musee Moissan
Facult? de Pharmacie
4 Avenue de l'Observatoire
75006
Paris
France
Telephone: 1 43 29 12 08
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