ERNST CHAINS CASED SET OF MOLECULAR MODELS, English, 1940s,

ERNST CHAIN'S CASED SET OF MOLECULAR MODELS, English, 1940s, the plaque reading 'Molecular Models Manufactured By Catalin Ltd. Waltham Abbey, Essex', the leather-clad hinged case with two latches, opening to twenty-two fitted compartments containing connectible Bakelite molecular models, connecting rubber pegs, and a pair of Wilkinson pliers, each compartment with corresponding name plaques, one side of the case with Istituto Superiore di Sanità Roma plaque numbered 17285 , 19 3/4in x 13 1/2in x 2 1/2in (50cm x 34.5cm x 6.5cm) overall Footnotes: The building blocks of the Nobel Prize-winner's molecular models. The number plaque affixed to the side of this model kit shows that it was used by Ernst Chain during his career in Rome, and perhaps earlier in England. From 1948 until 1961, he served as Director of the International Research Centre for Chemical Microbiology at the Superior Institute of Health, Rome. After Chain resigned from his position at the University of Oxford, his fellow Nobel laureate Sir Howard Florey agreed that 'you should run your own show', and writes in a letter dated 26th September 1949 that: 'We shall all follow your progress with interest and hope you will make a great success of your Institute.' The facilities in Rome were funded by the Rockefeller Foundation in New York. They included a pilot fermentation plant which allowed for the effective production of Penicillin and more advanced study of its effects and uses, including as a semi-synthetic substance. Chain continued to work in Rome until 1964, when he returned to England as Chair of Biochemistry at Imperial College, London. The models include Paraffinic (C), Aromatic (C), Heterocyclic (C), Sulphate (S), Chlorine, Olefinic (C), Amino (N), Ether (O), Carbonyl (O), Sulphide (S), Iodine, Acetylenic (C), Imide (N), Planar (N), Thione (S), Nitrile (N), Azide (N), Quaternary (N), Bromine, and Hydrogen. Provenance: Sir Ernst Chain (1906-1979); thence by direct descent to the present owners. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com