Blackman, Frederick Frost (1866-1947)

English botanist after whom the Blackman reactions of photosynthesis are named. Leading a successful research group, he worked initially upon respiration in plants and showed that the exchange of CO2 between the leaves and the air occurred via the stomata (the pores in the epidermis of a plant; see stoma). His later work continued to apply physiochemical concepts to biology.

Blackman was born in Lambeth and educated in medicine at St Bartholomew's Hospital, obtaining a BSc 1885. However, in 1887, he abandoned his study of medicine and went to St John's College, Cambridge, where he obtained a first in natural sciences. Following graduation he was appointed as a demonstrator in the Cambridge School of Botany. He was promoted to reader 1904 and remained in this position until he retired 1936.

He was involved in planning the extension of the botany school in 1933 and the general administration of the department. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society 1906 and was awarded its Royal Medal 1921.