Gilbert N. Lewis

Gilbert N. Lewis was one of the most influential American chemists, best known for his work on the electron-pair theory of chemical bonding. His 'Lewis structures' are taught to every chemistry student as the primary way to visualize covalent bonds. He also developed the Lewis acid-base theory, which expanded the definition of acids and bases beyond aqueous solutions.

His contributions to thermodynamics and the study of the electron are fundamental to modern chemical theory, providing the conceptual tools used daily in organic and inorganic chemistry research.