Max Bodenstein was born in Germany in 1871. During his life, he gained fame through his study of kinetic reactions in the gas phase. Although he found chemistry boring as a student, he gradually recognized the value of gas phase studies until he was recognized as the foremost researcher on the topic.

Bodenstein, like James Prescott Joule, was born into a wealthy family in the brewery business. He began chemistry research as a young boy working in a crude laboratory in the basement of his father's shop. He also liked to build things and to climb mountains. While his mountain climbing competed with chemistry for his interest, his technical skill enhanced his research since he built his own equipment. After college, Bodenstein continued in graduate school working toward a Ph.D in Chemistry. His mentor was Victor Meyer, who was famous for organizing stereochemistry as a field of study...