T.N.R. Morson was born just as chemistry started to be a science. Trained in Paris, he introduced to Britain quinine and morphine followed by many other medicines. His pioneering achievements were recognised by his medical contemporaries. His contributions to the progress of science and its institutions included work at the Society of Arts and the Royal Institution. He was as well-known in Paris as in London. He was a founder of the Pharmaceutical Society becoming its President in 1848 and 1859. He created a substantial pharmaceutical chemical business with world-wide interests.