Frederick Hopkins is considered the founder of British biochemistry. A pioneer in the study and application of what he called accessory food factors (vitamins), he made important contributions to the study of uric acid, isolated tryptophan (a necessary component in nutrition), and developed the concept of essential amino acids. Hopkins also did pioneering work on cell metabolism, elucidating the role of enzymatic activity in oxidation processes. Hopkins became a member of the Royal Society in 1905, serving as its president in 1931. He was knighted in 1925, and received the Copley Medal of the Royal Society in 1926. For his contributions in the field of nutrition, he was awarded the 1929 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine, sharing the award with the Dutch chemist Christiaan Eijkman. He was presented with the highest distinction of civil service, the Order of Merit, in 1935. In addition, many honorary degrees were bestowed on him by universities worldwide...