Beschreibung:

ERNST CHAIN'S CASED SET OF MOLECULAR MODELS, English, 1940s,the plaque reading 'Molecular Models Manufactured By Catalin Ltd. Waltham Abbey, Essex', the leather-clad hinged case with two latches, opening to twenty-two fitted compartments containing connectible Bakelite molecular models, connecting rubber pegs, and a pair of Wilkinson pliers, each compartment with corresponding name plaques, one side of the case with Istituto Superiore di Sanità Roma plaque numbered 17285,
19 3/4in x 13 1/2in x 2 1/2in (50cm x 34.5cm x 6.5cm) overall FootnotesThe building blocks of the Nobel Prize-winner's molecular models.
The number plaque affixed to the side of this model kit shows that it was used by Ernst Chain during his career in Rome, and perhaps earlier in England. From 1948 until 1961, he served as Director of the International Research Centre for Chemical Microbiology at the Superior Institute of Health, Rome. After Chain resigned from his position at the University of Oxford, his fellow Nobel laureate Sir Howard Florey agreed that 'you should run your own show', and writes in a letter dated 26th September 1949 that:
"We shall all follow your progress with interest and hope you will make a great success of your Institute."
The facilities in Rome were funded by the Rockefeller Foundation in New York. They included a pilot fermentation plant which allowed for the effective production of Penicillin and more advanced study of its effects and uses, including as a semi-synthetic substance. Chain continued to work in Rome until 1964, when he returned to England as Chair of Biochemistry at Imperial College, London.
The models include Paraffinic (C), Aromatic (C), Heterocyclic (C), Sulphate (S), Chlorine, Olefinic (C), Amino (N), Ether (O), Carbonyl (O), Sulphide (S), Iodine, Acetylenic (C), Imide (N), Planar (N), Thione (S), Nitrile (N), Azide (N), Quaternary (N), Bromine, and Hydrogen.
Provenance: Sir Ernst Chain (1906-1979); thence by direct descent to the present owners.Additional informationAuction informationBuyers Premium and ChargesFor all Sales categories, buyer's premium excluding Cars, Motorbikes, Wine, Whisky and Coin & Medal sales, will be as follows:Buyer's Premium Rates
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and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.VAT at the current rate of 20% will be added to the Buyer's Premium and charges excluding Artists Resale Right.Buyers' ObligationsALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.Payment NoticesFor payment information please refer to the sale catalog.Shipping NoticesFor information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.Related DepartmentsBooks & ManuscriptsAuction ViewingsLondon, Knightsbridge18 June 2023, 11:00 - 15:00 BST19 June 2023, 09:00 - 17:00 BST20 June 2023, 09:00 - 17:00 BST21 June 2023, 09:00 - 10:00 BSTConditions of SaleView Conditions of Sale