On November 26, 1837 London, England was blessed with John Alexander Reina Newlands birth. No one had any idea what this young child would grow up to be. He was the second son of William Newlands who was a Presbyterian minister. John received his general education from his father. Then he went on to the Royal College of Chemistry in 1856 to study under A.W. Hoffman. Interestingly enough, Mary Sara Reina, who was John’s mother, was of Italian descent. July 29th 1898 was a sad day for all who knew John Newlands because on this day he past away. Influenza is what drew him to death. He left behind his wife, daughter and son who were very heart broken by his unfortunate death.