P.D. Hahn Building
Named after Paul Daniel Hahn (1849-1918) who was born in South West Africa and educated at Halle, London and Edinburgh. He was appointed Jamieson Professor of Experimental Physics and Practical Chemistry in 1876 and as Professor of Chemistry in 1893, a Chair he retained until his death in 1918. A teacher at heart, he concerned himself with the personal and moral well being of all the students who passed through his department; it was at Hahn's request and perseverance that women be admitted to study chemistry. In 1875, he was elected a member of the first Council of the University of the Cape of Good Hope. He remained professor of Chemistry and a member of Council until his death. His services to the College and to the cause of science in South Africa were many. For forty-two years he held with distinction the Professorship of Chemistry and had been largely instrumental in the development of the College in all other branches of science. In mining, engineering, medicine, and agriculture he had shown a keen interest and, both as Professor at College and as member of council at the old university, had done much to promote systematic study in these directions. He was noted as an admirable and inspiring teacher. His genial old world courtesy and dignity made him both loved and respected by his colleagues and all who knew him. Source : Ritchie, W. The History of the South African College 1829 – 1918, II,
Cape Town, 1918 . Pages 672 –3. To all members of Senate, 16/11/1973: Registrar