| Citation | Wardlaw, William (London). Professor of Chemistry in the University of London.
Distinguished for his researches in inorganic chemistry. He has made substantial contributions to the chemistry of molybdenum, tungsten, titanium and the raw metals; also his work on the oxidising properties of sulphur dioxide has had important applications in industry. His investigations have been notable for a skilful combination of physical methods with those of inorganic chemistry. Quadricovalent derivatives of platinum, palladium, nickel, copper, silver, tin, lead and cobalt have been shown to possess a planar valency distribution, resulting in an entirely new outlook on the stereochemistry of co-ordination compounds. An important principle correlating their configuration with valency has been established. |