On September 16, 1974, Marcel Pourbaix, professeur extraordinaire of the Université Libre de Bruxelles, Distinguished Graduate Research Professor of the University of Florida, Managing Director of CEBELCOR, eponymous creator of potential-pH diagrams, and one of the grand architects of corrosion science, observed his 70th birthday. His many friends and scientific admirers around the world will want to associate themselves with CORROSION in felicitating him in this jubilee year. It is a fitting occasion to recognize his contributions to, and his unique position in, the world of corrosion science and engineering.
Professor Pourbaix was born of Belgian parents in Myshega, Russia, where his father was a consultant on an engineer project. After the family moved back to the Brussels area, the young Pourbaix studied in the schools of suburban Ixelles, and upon graduation from the Athénée Royal d’Ixelles in 1922 was awarded its Prix d’Excellence as well as the Belgian Government...
