The Life and Times of Alfred Henry Allen, Sheffield’s First Public Analyst

Public Analysts are analytical scientists appointed by local authorities in the United Kingdom and who work to ensure the health and safety of the public in relation to food1, consumer protection, agricultural feeding stuffs and fertilizers and other matters. Alfred Henry Allen was one of the first Public Analysts in the United Kingdom and the first appointed by the City of Sheffield. He was a founder member of the Society of Public Analysts and served as its President (1887-1889) and was also a founder member of the Institute of Chemistry. Through his work as an analytical scientist he played a major role in the battle against food adulteration and in promoting food and water safety in Victorian Sheffield and Britain. His many achievements were published in scientific papers and books which recorded the results of his and other Public Analysts’ work. Tragically, he died at the early age of 58 years.