He was known internationally as a distinguished spectroscopist and was a leading authority on Raman and infrared spectroscopy, equally highly regarded in research circles in both chemistry and physics. His international distinction attracted many scientists from abroad to work with him in London, and he had only recently returned from visits to China and the Far East where he had been lecturing and advising various universities on the planning of their scientific programmes. He had been particularly active over several decades in organizing regular meetings at King's which brought together spectroscopists in industry and the universities and enabled them to collaborate on prospects of vital national interest.
GEORGE WILKINSON'S entire scientific career was spent at King's. After graduating in 1952 he started his spectroscopic research with Professor W. C. PRICE and from that time onwards he was actively engaged in scientific research right up to the time of his sudden and unexpected death. Those 36 years spanned a period of very rapid scientific and technological advances and GEORGE WILKINSON played a part in the many innovations that have since transformed Raman and infrared spectroscopy. While still a research student GEORGE WILKINSON was working with fellow student, MICK FORD (later of Perkin-Elmer), to build spectrometers which were far ahead of those commercially available. They were also involved in developing the widely used pressed-disc technique. Instrumental advances such as the reflecting microscope and highly efficient infrared polarizers enabled him to undertake studies on biological fibres which interested the biophysicists who were then working in the physics department. This work helped considerably in the elucidation of the structure of DNA for which Professor MAURICE WILKINS received the Nobel prize. GEORGE WILKINSON'S reputation grew rapidly as he expanded his research group, enlarged the range of his research projects and developed new spectrometers and sample handling techniques. By 1960 his group had liquid helium cryostats to cool samples down to 4.2 K, high pressure spectroscopic equipment for pressures up to 500 MPa (about 5000 atmo-