R.I.P. Norm Colthup (1924-2009)

It might seem odd for me to be posting an obituary in a blog about infrared spectroscopy, but the passing of Norm Colthup is worth noting by anyone who has ever measured or interpreted an infrared spectrum. Norm spent most of his career working for American Cyanamid, now known as Cytec Industries. In the 1940s Norm was involved in designing and building one of the first infrared spectrometers used in industry. Subsequent to this he measured a number of spectra and saw a need for summarizing the peak positions of functional groups. He then invented the now well known Colthup Chart, which summarizes the wavenumber regions where different functional groups absorb in an easy-to-read format. It is safe to say that thousands of people around the world have used the Colthup chart since Norm developed it over 50 years ago.

Norm also co-authored two seminal books on infrared spectroscopy. I have learned a great deal from his books. Norm was the 1979 recipient of the Williams-Wright Award of the Coblentz Society, presented annually to an industrial spectroscopist who has made significant contributions to vibrational spectroscopy while working in industry (I am the current chair of Coblentz Society’s Williams-Wright committee. More on the 2010 winner in a later post). Norm also received the Maurice F. Hasler Award, presented by the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh to a scientist having notable achievements in spectroscopy that have resulted in significant applications of broad utility. Norm also shared his knowledge and love of infrared spectroscopy by teaching short courses, which in part was an inspiration for my career as an FTIR short course instructor. Norm will be sorely missed by a large community of colleagues, family, and friends