Interview with Brian Shorland

Dr Brian Shorland was born in Wellington on 14 July 1909. Describes his father's career as a builder and architect and also a city councillor. Talks about his uncle, the cyclist Frank Shorland, and the family connection with Jerome K Jerome. Describes growing up in Island Bay and attending school there early in the century. Talks about going to Wellington College from 1921-1925 and graduating from Victoria University College with a chemistry degree in 1932. Recalls some of the women science students of the time including Thea Marwick and Eileen Pigget.

Discusses Sir Ernest Rutherford, Karl Popper and his protege Eccles, religion and philosophy and proving scientific theories. Focuses on his scientific career and research largely into fats looking at animal and fish oils. Describes working with the Department of Agriculture from 1927 to 1946, study for a doctorate at the University of Liverpool and being director of Fats Research, later the Food Chemistry Division, of the DSIR. Talks about Sir Ernest Marsden, R A Falla, Ian Robertson and Bill Hamilton. Describes awards received including the Hector Medal, the Marsden Medal and the Order of Merit. Talks about being a lecturer in the Biochemistry Department of Victoria University from 1969 to 1987.

Comments on solar energy and the windmill he installed at his own home. Describes editing the magazine `New Zealand science review' from 1985 to 1999. Comments on management systems and user pays and its effect on creativity. Talks about New Zealand scientists and how to achieve good science.

Interviewer(s) - Mary Tallon

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007130 - OHC-007133

Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s).

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1745.

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-003758 - OHCL-003761