History -Chemical History of UCL

[Song, written and sung by William Ramsay at the Lab Dinner].

When first I came to London town as Williamson's successor
And donned his figurative gown as chemical Professor,
With Plimpton who, with Rideal too, I felt uncommon Jolly,
And in my mind I had in view our friend J. Norman Collie .

In Cheltenham his mission lay to train the girls in science,
And demonstrate to them each day some chemical appliance.
But weariness on him depressed, and deepest melancholy,
Right glad he was to come to us, our friend J. Norman Collie .

And now the pharmaceutical has made him his professor,
He's found a chair and settled there, it undisturbed possessor.
And now he's only got to wed some Sally, Jane or Polly.
Come fill a bumper, drink a health: our friend J. Norman Collie .