Graham, Thomas (1805-1869), was a British chemist. He is recognized as the founder of colloid chemistry. A colloid is a material composed of particles of one substance that are distributed, but not dissolved, in another substance. Milk and paint are examples of colloids (see Colloid ). Graham’s best-known experiments dealt with the absorption and diffusion of gases, osmosis, and the properties of colloids. Diffusion is the mixing of the atoms or molecules of one substance with those of another (see Diffusion ). Osmosis is the movement of liquid from one solution through a special membrane into a more concentrated solution (see Osmosis ).
Graham’s Law, which relates to gas diffusion, was named in honor of Thomas Graham. Graham also studied chemical compounds that contain phosphorus.
Graham was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on Dec. 21, 1805. In 1837, he became a professor of chemistry at University College, now a part of the University of London. He died in London on Sept. 16, 1869.
