Christopher Kelk Ingold lived a life that reminds us that not every historical figure received prominent signs of destiny from childhood. Indeed, his first sign of brilliance was not recognized until he was ready to graduate from college. Later, when he was making major discoveries, acceptance of his authority was not naturally offered as it would have been to a recognized genius. Still, he had great influence in the field of organic chemistry, offering the landmark explanation of organic reactions. Furthermore, he addressed issues of methodology and, thus, had a crossover effect in physical chemistry in spite of the tendency for scientists to resist influence from outside their specialty. He is credited with systematizing modern organic chemistry because he clarified many issues through his prolific, comprehensible writings.

As quiet and unassuming as his research career was, it still contained some elements of a classic story of the struggle...