History
The Academy of Turku was founded in 1640 and Pehr Adrian Gadd was nominated as the the first chemistry professor in 1761. His successor, Johan Gadolin, who is regarded as the father of the chemistry research in Finland initiated the inclusion of lab work in chemistry studies.
The research work of Johan Gadolin led to the discovery of the rare earths and consequently the naming of one element, Gadolinium, after him. The chemists in Turku annually celebrate Gadolin Day in his honour.
Pehr Adolf von Bonsdorff was nominated as the chemistry professor after Johan Gadolin. In 1827 the Academy of Turku was badly damaged during the Great Fire of Turku and was displaced to Helsinki (presently the University of Helsinki) by the order of the Russian Emperor.