A Belgian industrial chemist who, in 1861, developed the ammonia-soda process or Solvay process, used to manufacture soda ash (anhydrous sodium carbonate) from a solution of sodium chloride and limestone (calcium carbonate). This was noted as being a considerable improvement on the earlier Leblanc process. Solvay worked at his uncle’s chemical factory from an early age before founding his own company. Having made his fortune through his patents, he used his wealth for philanthropic purposes. Towards the end of his life, he was elected to the Belgium Senate and became Minister of State.