Guido Cusmano

It was also in Florence that Cusmano encountered both exciting new ideas emerging in the field of organic chemistry internationally as weU as new physico-chemical techniques that were supporting and reinforcing that discipline. 

As a teacher Cusmano stood out for his originality and passion. He carefiiUy prepared his lectures, diversified the subject matter, continually updated the curriculum to keep it current with latest developments, and adapted everything to meet changing student needs. 

For his entire life Cusmano held immense affection and extraordinary admiration for Angelo Angeli even a few months before his own death, Cusmano recalled for his students how the master, breaking his usual cantankerous silence, would allow him to participate in his (Angeli s) ingenious insights or brilliant discoveries, which later would materialize in works written in a clear, concise style. 

In his seventh decade, Cusmano was struck by a form of cancer that would take his life in a veiy short time. Despite being aware of his desperate state of health, Cusmano could not remain apart from his laboratory, which he continued to visit even on the threshold of death. Guido Cusmano, at age 73, died on 28 Febmary 1956 and rests, according to his wish, in a small cemetery and sunny place on Monte Sant Dario (Elba) [133]. 

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Fig. 4.3 Hugo Schiff (left) preparing a chlorine demonstration with his student, Guido Cusmano, ca. 1910-12. Note the fume hood on the right the piepaiation room is accessed by lifting the movable blackboard. Courtesy of Chemical Heritage, University of Florence...

Gandini A (1956) Guido Cusmano, 1882-1956. II Farmaco, edizione pratica 11(5) 305-311... 

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