Benedict Kitto died in London, on May 13th, 1928, at the advanced age of 87.
He was born at Breage, Cornwall, in 1841, and was educated privately. On completion of his school course he became a student at the Royal College of Science and the old College of Chemistry and qualified as a medallist in mineralogy, Science and Art Department. He was appointed examiner in assaying at the Camborne, Redruth, and Penzance Mining Schools and to the education department of the Cornwall County Council. From 1872 to 1880 he held the post of lecturer and assistant secretary of the Cornwall and Devon Miners’ Association. In 1881-2 he was made public analyst for the County of Cornwall, and in 1892 he was re-appointed and held that position until his death.
From 1882 to 1887 he was chief chemist and assayer in London to the Rio Tinto Mining Co., Ltd., and was largely interested in organizing mid conducting their London laboratory and assay office. In 1887 he commenced practice in St. Swithin’s Lane, E.C., as an assayer, analyst, consulting chemist and mineralogist, and remained there until 1914, when he transferred his office to City Road. In the course of his practice he noted as chemist to the Uranium Mines, Ltd., Grampound Road, Cornwall, and established their London extraction works and chemical factory. His work in this connexion led to the production of his well-known text book, ‘Research on Uranium Ores and Compounds.’
Mr. Kitto was a member of various scientific bodies, and was officially recognized as arbitrator for the London Chamber of Commerce and the Corporation of the City of London. Up to a fairly advanced age he attended meetings of the Institution and took part in the discussion of papers. His two sons, William Kitto, M. Inst. M.M., and Benedict T. Kitto, who had been associated with him for many years, are carrying on the practice as assayers and analytical chemists.
Mr. Kitto was at Founder Member, at Trustee, and for many years a Member of Council, of the Institution, and he was elected on Honorary Member in 1920.
Vol. 38, Trans IMM 1928-29, p.488
[See J.H. Johns – a pupil of Benedict Kitto]
