[Robert S. Mulliken]. Priestley Medal for Distinguished Services to Chemistry. ...

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[Robert S. Mulliken]. Priestley Medal for Distinguished Services to Chemistry. 1983.

Gold medal measuring 50 mm in diameter. Profile bust of Joseph Priestley facing right on obverse, with "JOSEPH PRIESTLEY" along the edges, signed "ADAM PIETZ SC." on the lower left. Reverse with an image of laboratory equipment surrounded by a laurel wreath; inscription at top reads: "FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICES TO CHEMISTRY / AWARDED BY THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY / ROBERT S. MULLIKEN / 1983." Housed in original dark blue leather gilt case, interior lined in dark blue velvet and satin, measuring 9.5 x 9.5 cm.

Robert S. Mulliken received the Priestley Medal, the highest honor conferred by the American Chemical Society (ACS), in 1983, recognizing his lifetime of achievement in chemistry. Named for Joseph Priestley, one of the discoverers of oxygen, the Priestley Medal is regarded as one of the most prestigious awards in the field, following the Wolf and Nobel Prizes in Chemistry.

After receiving his 1966 Nobel Prize for developing molecular orbital theory, Mulliken continued to advance the understanding of quantum chemistry, spectroscopy, and atomic structure. When he accepted this award at age eighty-six, Mulliken was living in Hyde Park, Chicago. Concerned that his neuropathy might prevent him from attending the ceremony, he told a reporter for Chemical & Engineering News, "I guess you can accept a medal, even if you're not feeling so good." Mulliken passed just three years later, in 1986, making this the last award that he received during his lifetime.

Accompanying provenance materials include correspondence with the American Chemical Society regarding Mulliken's nomination and acceptance of the award; The Joseph Priestley Celebration program dated April 13, 1983; a booklet containing a USPS First-Day-of-Issue Joseph Priestley stamp; seven drafts of Mulliken's acceptance speech with holographic corrections; letters of congratulations from colleagues; three copies of Chemical & Engineering News (June 11 and August 30, 1982); and one copy of Foote Prints magazine, Vol. 46, No. 1, featuring an article on Joseph Priestley.

Condition: Medal fine. Case with minor wear to edges, including a few very light scuffs. Condition of provenance material generally good, with occasional age-related wear, toning, or staining.

Reference: Chemical & Engineering News, Vol. 43, No. 20. Washington: American Chemical Society, 1965.

Provenance: From the personal collection of the 1966 Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry, Robert S. Mulliken; thence by descent.