1863-1944

Belgian-American Chemist

A1940 Time magazine article called Leo Hendrik Baekeland the "Father of Plastic," and with good reason. His invention of the first synthetic plastic, Bakelite, proved cheaper and more versatile than other substances, and has since been used in everything from pot handles to electronics.

Baekeland was born in Ghent, Belgium, on November 14, 1863, the son of working-class parents. As a teenager, Baekeland spent his days in high school, and his evenings at the Ghent Municipal Technical School, where he studied chemistry, physics, mathematics, and economics. He was awarded a scholarship to the University of Ghent, and in 1884 received his doctorate of science, graduating with honors.

From 1882-89, Baekeland taught chemistry at the University of Ghent. Between 1885 and 1887 he also taught chemistry and physics at the Government Higher Normal School of Science in Bruges, Belgium. In 1889, Baekeland and his wife, Celine, traveled to...