Agricultural chemist. Born in Edinburgh, Aitken studied there and in Heidelberg (Germany). He obtained a position as assistant to Professor Crum Brown (1838 - 1922), in the University of Edinburgh. Aitken rose to occupy the Chair of Chemistry at that institution's Royal (Dick) Veterinary College. He made an early contribution to agricultural chemistry by recognising the benefits of fertilisers. He was able to demonstrate markedly increased yields and laid the foundations of modern approaches to the improvement of soil fertility.
He also served as consulting chemist to the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.
Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry
If you have found this information useful please consider making
a donation to help maintain and improve this resource. More info...
