A day in the life at the University of Pretoria. 17 October 1942

17 October 1942: New Chemistry cornerstones laid. On this "Day in the life of the University of Pretoria" the construction of the Chemistry building started. It  was built to accommodate the growing numbers of medical students at the institution.

Chemistry Building, UP © University of Pretoria Archives

The cornerstones were laid by UP chancellor, dr. H.J. van der Bijl, and the rector, prof. M.C. Botha. War made sourcing enough building material difficult. Initially the building only had two floors and housed the Departments of Physics, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry.    

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