John Kidd (chemist)

John Kidd (1775 – 1851) was a British physician, chemist, and academic. He was born in London and educated at Christ Church, Oxford, graduating with a BA in 1797 and a MD in 1804.

Kidd held several prominent positions at Oxford University. He served as Aldrichian Professor of Chemistry from 1803 to 1822 and Regius Professor of Medicine from 1822 until his death in 1851. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, elected in 1822.

Kidd's primary contributions were in the fields of chemistry and geology. He published "Outlines of Mineralogy" in 1809, which was a significant textbook in its time. He also authored "Geological Essay on the Imperfect Evidence in Support of a Very Ancient Origin of the Earth" (1815), reflecting contemporary scientific debates regarding the age of the Earth and geological formations. He delivered the Boyle Lectures in 1817, which were published under the title "On the Adaptation of External Nature to the Physical Condition of Man."

Kidd was known for his clear and engaging lectures, which helped to popularize chemistry at Oxford. He also advocated for the practical application of chemistry in various industries. While his original research contributions are not considered groundbreaking, he played a crucial role in disseminating scientific knowledge and promoting the study of chemistry and related sciences in early 19th-century Britain.