History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c4.20

c4.20

Though a scientist by profession, his love for, and knowledge of, literature and history were rather remarkable. Tagore, Michael and Shakespeare were his favourite poets, from whose works he could quote off-hand from memory. The writings of Emerson and Carlyle fascinated him greatly. A measure of his interest in literature and history can be obtained from his oft-repeated remarks that 'he became a chemist by mere accident'. The first volume of his autobiography, Life and Experiences of a Bengali Chemist, was published in 1932, which was followed by a second volume in 1935. The book was dedicated to the youths of India with the hope of stimulating their activities for national regeneration. It provides an instance of his high literary ability. Professor Armstrong, while reviewing it in *Nature*, made the following comment