Norman Lowther Edson
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Norman Lowther Edson BMedSc MB ChB PhD FRSNZ FNZIC, was the Founding Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand from 1949 until his retirement in 1967; he died in 1970. Over his working life of 37 years, he made significant contributions to medical science; to life-science education of students entering medicine, dentistry, or home science; and to public health improvements, such as fluoridation of drinking water, now considered essential for the well-being of modern New Zealanders. [1,2]
Norman Edson was born in 1904 in Auckland, New Zealand, but his father died unexpectedly in 1908. His grandfather on the paternal side, a prominent pharmacist and businessman in the central business district of the city since the 1850's, helped the young widowed mother provide a superior education for his grandson. Norman Edson attended Auckland Grammar School and gained top honours as Junior National Scholar in both 1920 and 1921. He used the Scholarship at the University of Otago to gain a degree in chemistry.
References 1. Professor N.L. Edson, in the New Zealand Medical Journal, March 1968. P. 429-430. 2. Norman Lowther Edson, in the New Zealand Medical Journal, June 1970. Obituaries. P. 388, 389-390.
