The Russian composer, Alexander Borodin (pictured), was also prominent in which field?

Alexander Borodin (1833-1887) was one of a group of Russian composers known as the "Mighty Handful" who dedicated themselves to writing music more reflective of Russian traditions, rather than trying to emulate those of Western Europe, and is perhaps best remembered for his opera "Prince Igor", which was later to be the basis of the musical "Kismet".

The illegitimate son of a nobleman, despite being "officially" one of the common people, he was well provided for, and his father paid for his education. He trained in chemistry and medicine, and was also an early pioneer of medical and scientific education for women.

His own health was poor, and before his premature death he was afflicted by cholera and heart problems.

During his own lifetime he was better known as a chemist than as a composer, and was particularly well regarded for his work on aldehydes and halocarbons.

Although he regarded music more in the light of a pastime, it is as a composer that his fame has endured, and there has been a recent revival of interest in his work. His name has also been recognised in such diverse ways as a Google Doodle and the Borodin Quartet!