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Alec Todd Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Scientific Contributions and Career of Alexander Todd

Cheat Sheet:
The Scientific Contributions and Career of Alexander Todd Study Guide

Early Life and Education

Alexander Todd was born in London, England.

Answer: False

Explanation: Alexander Todd was born in Cathcart, a locality in outer Glasgow, Scotland, on October 2, 1907.

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Todd pursued his higher education exclusively at the University of Glasgow.

Answer: False

Explanation: Alexander Todd pursued higher education at multiple institutions, including the University of Glasgow, the University of Frankfurt am Main in Germany, and Oriel College at the University of Oxford.

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Alexander Todd's doctoral thesis at the University of Frankfurt focused on the chemistry of nucleic acids.

Answer: False

Explanation: Alexander Todd's doctoral thesis at the University of Frankfurt centered on the chemistry of bile acids, not nucleic acids.

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An 1851 Research Fellowship enabled Todd to study at the University of Manchester.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1851 Research Fellowship enabled Todd to study at Oriel College, Oxford, not the University of Manchester.

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In which Scottish locality was Alexander Todd born?

Answer: Cathcart

Explanation: Alexander Todd was born on October 2, 1907, in Cathcart, a locality situated in the outer region of Glasgow, Scotland.

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What specific area of chemistry formed the basis of Alexander Todd's doctoral thesis at the University of Frankfurt?

Answer: The chemistry of bile acids

Explanation: Alexander Todd earned his doctorate from the University of Frankfurt for his thesis, which focused on the chemistry of bile acids.

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Which fellowship allowed Alexander Todd to pursue further studies at Oriel College, Oxford?

Answer: The 1851 Research Fellowship

Explanation: Todd was awarded an 1851 Research Fellowship from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, which enabled him to undertake further study at Oriel College, Oxford.

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Which of the following was NOT among the universities where Alexander Todd pursued his higher education for degrees?

Answer: University of Edinburgh

Explanation: Alexander Todd pursued higher education at the University of Glasgow, the University of Frankfurt am Main, and Oriel College at the University of Oxford. He served on the staff at the University of Edinburgh earlier in his career but did not obtain degrees there.

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Alexander Todd's research on nucleosides began when he joined which university?

Answer: University of Manchester

Explanation: Upon joining the University of Manchester in 1938, Todd commenced his research on nucleosides, which are fundamental components of nucleic acids.

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Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Alexander Todd's Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for his research on the structure and synthesis of vitamins.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to Alexander Todd in 1957 recognized his extensive research on the structure and synthesis of nucleotides and nucleotide coenzymes. While he also conducted significant research on vitamins, this was not the primary basis for the Nobel Prize.

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The primary fields of Alexander Todd's scientific study were physics and geology.

Answer: False

Explanation: Alexander Todd's primary fields of scientific endeavor were chemistry and biochemistry, focusing on organic chemistry and the structure of biological molecules.

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Alexander Todd received the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1957 for his work on nucleotides and nucleotide co-enzymes.

Answer: True

Explanation: Alexander Todd was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1957 for his seminal contributions to understanding the structure and synthesis of nucleotides and nucleotide coenzymes, fundamental components of nucleic acids and cellular metabolism.

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In 1949, Alexander Todd and his collaborators synthesized Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD).

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1949, Alexander Todd and his collaborators synthesized adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), not AMP and NAD.

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Todd's research in 1951 helped determine the DNA backbone structure, confirming the findings of Watson and Crick.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1951, Alexander Todd and his collaborators elucidated the chemical structure of the DNA backbone, specifically detailing the linkage between the sugar and phosphate groups. This biochemical evidence corroborated the double helix model proposed by Watson and Crick.

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Alexander Todd was the sole scientist responsible for determining the definitive structure of Vitamin B12.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Alexander Todd made significant contributions to the elucidation of Vitamin B12's complex structure in 1955, the definitive determination of its structure was ultimately achieved by Dorothy Hodgkin and her research team.

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Besides vitamins, Todd also investigated the structure and synthesis of alkaloids found in cannabis.

Answer: True

Explanation: In addition to his work on vitamins, Alexander Todd's research portfolio included the investigation of anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for plant coloration, and alkaloids, a class of naturally occurring nitrogen-containing compounds, including those found in cannabis.

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In 1940, Alexander Todd synthesized delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from Cannabidiol.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1940, Alexander Todd synthesized H4-CBD and H2-CBD from Cannabidiol, not THC.

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Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) functions as a primary energy currency within cells.

Answer: True

Explanation: Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is a molecule that serves as the primary energy currency within cells, powering various biological processes through the release of energy stored in its chemical bonds.

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Hydrogenation is a chemical process involving the addition of oxygen to a substance.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction where hydrogen is added to a substance, typically involving the reduction of unsaturated bonds, not the addition of oxygen.

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Who was Alexander Robertus Todd, and what was his primary scientific contribution?

Answer: A British biochemist awarded the Nobel Prize for research on nucleotides and coenzymes.

Explanation: Alexander Robertus Todd, also known as Lord Todd, was a distinguished British biochemist. His seminal research on the structure and synthesis of nucleotides, nucleosides, and nucleotide coenzymes earned him the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1957.

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What significant biochemical molecules did Alexander Todd and his collaborators successfully synthesize in 1949?

Answer: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)

Explanation: In 1949, Alexander Todd and his collaborators at Cambridge successfully synthesized adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), key molecules in cellular energy transfer and metabolism.

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How did Alexander Todd's 1951 research contribute to the understanding of DNA?

Answer: It biochemically determined the structure of the DNA backbone, corroborating Watson and Crick's findings.

Explanation: In 1951, Alexander Todd and his collaborators elucidated the chemical structure of the DNA backbone, specifically detailing the linkage between the sugar and phosphate groups. This biochemical evidence corroborated the double helix model proposed by Watson and Crick.

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While contributing to the elucidation of Vitamin B12's structure, who ultimately determined its definitive structure?

Answer: Dorothy Hodgkin

Explanation: While Alexander Todd made significant contributions to the elucidation of Vitamin B12's complex structure in 1955, the definitive determination of its structure was ultimately achieved by Dorothy Hodgkin and her research team.

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Which of the following compounds found in cannabis did Alexander Todd synthesize in 1940?

Answer: H4-CBD and H2-CBD

Explanation: In 1940, Alexander Todd synthesized H4-CBD and H2-CBD from Cannabidiol, not THC.

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What is the primary role of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) in biological systems, as mentioned in the context of Todd's research?

Answer: Acting as the primary energy currency in cells

Explanation: Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is a molecule that serves as the primary energy currency within cells, powering various biological processes through the release of energy stored in its chemical bonds.

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Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD), studied by Todd, is described as a vital coenzyme involved in what process?

Answer: Electron transfer in metabolic reactions

Explanation: Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD) is a vital coenzyme that participates in numerous metabolic reactions, primarily by facilitating the transfer of electrons in processes like cellular respiration.

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What are anthocyanins, which Alexander Todd also investigated?

Answer: Pigments responsible for red, purple, and blue colors in plants

Explanation: Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments found in plants that produce red, purple, and blue colors, contributing to the visual appeal of many flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

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The term 'alkaloids', studied by Todd in relation to cannabis, refers to what type of chemical compounds?

Answer: Naturally occurring compounds often containing nitrogen, typically found in plants

Explanation: Alkaloids are a class of naturally occurring chemical compounds, often containing nitrogen, that are typically found in plants and can have significant effects on human physiology.

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Alexander Todd received the Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his work primarily related to:

Answer: Nucleotides and nucleotide coenzymes

Explanation: Alexander Todd was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1957 for his seminal contributions to understanding the structure and synthesis of nucleotides and nucleotide coenzymes.

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What was the significance of Alexander Todd's 1955 contribution regarding Vitamin B12?

Answer: He contributed to the elucidation of its structure, alongside Dorothy Hodgkin.

Explanation: While Alexander Todd made significant contributions to the elucidation of Vitamin B12's complex structure in 1955, the definitive determination of its structure was ultimately achieved by Dorothy Hodgkin and her research team.

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Academic Career and Institutional Roles

In 1938, Alexander Todd became the Sir Samuel Hall Chair of Chemistry at the University of Manchester.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1938, Alexander Todd was appointed to the distinguished Sir Samuel Hall Chair of Chemistry at the University of Manchester, where he also assumed the directorship of the institution's Chemical Laboratories.

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Upon joining the University of Manchester, Todd began research on vitamins.

Answer: False

Explanation: Upon joining the University of Manchester, Todd commenced his research on nucleosides, which are fundamental components of nucleic acids.

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Alexander Todd held the 1702 Chair of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge from 1944 until his retirement in 1971.

Answer: True

Explanation: From 1944 until his retirement in 1971, Alexander Todd occupied the esteemed 1702 Chair of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge, a professorship with a significant historical lineage.

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Alexander Todd served as the Master of Christ's College, Cambridge, from 1963 to 1978.

Answer: True

Explanation: Alexander Todd held the leadership role of Master of Christ's College, Cambridge, for an extended period, from 1963 to 1978.

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Lord Todd was appointed as the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lord Todd was appointed as the first Chancellor, not Vice-Chancellor, of the University of Strathclyde.

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The 1702 Chair of Chemistry at Cambridge is a professorship previously held by William Jackson Pope.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1702 Chair of Chemistry at Cambridge University is a distinguished professorship that Alexander Todd held from 1944 to 1971, following notable predecessors such as William Jackson Pope.

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Alexander Todd held the prestigious 1702 Chair of Chemistry at which university?

Answer: University of Cambridge

Explanation: Alexander Todd held the esteemed 1702 Chair of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge from 1944 to 1971.

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Who succeeded Alexander Todd as the Master of Christ's College, Cambridge?

Answer: Sir John Plumb

Explanation: Sir John Plumb succeeded Alexander Todd as the Master of Christ's College, Cambridge.

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What was Alexander Todd's role at the University of Manchester starting in 1938?

Answer: Sir Samuel Hall Chair of Chemistry and Director of Chemical Laboratories

Explanation: In 1938, Alexander Todd was appointed to the distinguished Sir Samuel Hall Chair of Chemistry at the University of Manchester, where he also assumed the directorship of the institution's Chemical Laboratories.

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What distinction did Alexander Todd hold at the University of Cambridge from 1963 to 1978?

Answer: Master of Christ's College

Explanation: Alexander Todd held the leadership role of Master of Christ's College, Cambridge, for an extended period, from 1963 to 1978.

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Awards, Honors, and Public Service

Alexander Todd chaired the UK Government's advisory committee on scientific policy from 1952 to 1964.

Answer: True

Explanation: From 1952 to 1964, Alexander Todd provided significant governmental service as the chairman of the United Kingdom's Advisory Committee on Scientific Policy.

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Alexander Todd was created a Life Peer in 1962, taking the title Baron Todd of Oxford.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1962, Alexander Todd was elevated to the peerage as a Life Peer, receiving the title Baron Todd of Trumpington, not Oxford.

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From 1975 to 1980, Alexander Todd served as the President of the Royal Society.

Answer: True

Explanation: Alexander Todd held the prestigious position of President of the Royal Society, the United Kingdom's national academy of sciences, from 1975 to 1980.

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Queen Elizabeth II awarded Lord Todd the Nobel Prize in 1977.

Answer: False

Explanation: Queen Elizabeth II awarded Lord Todd the Order of Merit in 1977. His Nobel Prize was awarded in 1957 by the Nobel Committee.

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Alexander Todd received the Tilden Prize in 1940.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1940, Alexander Todd was awarded the Tilden Prize, an honor presented by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

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Alexander Todd received the Davy Medal in 1949.

Answer: True

Explanation: Alexander Todd was honored with the Davy Medal in 1949, acknowledging his significant contributions to chemistry.

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Alexander Todd received the Royal Medal in 1955.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Royal Medal was awarded to Alexander Todd in 1955, recognizing his distinguished scientific achievements.

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Alexander Todd was presented with the Copley Medal in 1970.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1970, Alexander Todd received the Copley Medal, the Royal Society's highest award, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to chemistry and biochemistry.

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Sir John Plumb succeeded Alexander Todd as the President of the Royal Society.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sir John Plumb succeeded Alexander Todd as the Master of Christ's College, Cambridge. Sir Andrew Huxley succeeded Alexander Todd as the President of the Royal Society.

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What governmental advisory role did Alexander Todd fulfill from 1952 to 1964?

Answer: Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Scientific Policy

Explanation: From 1952 to 1964, Alexander Todd provided significant governmental service as the chairman of the United Kingdom's Advisory Committee on Scientific Policy.

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In what year was Alexander Todd knighted?

Answer: 1954

Explanation: Alexander Todd received the honor of knighthood in 1954.

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What title did Alexander Todd receive in 1962, making him a member of the House of Lords?

Answer: Baron Todd of Trumpington

Explanation: In 1962, Alexander Todd was elevated to the peerage as a Life Peer, receiving the title Baron Todd of Trumpington, not Oxford.

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Alexander Todd served as the President of which prestigious scientific organization from 1975 to 1980?

Answer: The Royal Society

Explanation: Alexander Todd held the prestigious position of President of the Royal Society, the United Kingdom's national academy of sciences, from 1975 to 1980.

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What significant honor was bestowed upon Lord Todd by Queen Elizabeth II in 1977?

Answer: Order of Merit

Explanation: In 1977, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed upon Lord Todd the Order of Merit, a high honor recognizing exceptional service.

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What recognition did Alexander Todd receive in 1949?

Answer: Davy Medal

Explanation: In 1949, Alexander Todd was awarded the Davy Medal, an honor recognizing his significant contributions to chemistry.

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What does the designation 'FRS' signify for a scientist?

Answer: A Fellow of the Royal Society, indicating significant scientific contribution

Explanation: Being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) is a prestigious recognition for individuals who have made substantial and significant contributions to the advancement of science.

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What is the significance of the title 'Life Peer'?

Answer: It is an honorary title awarded for life, not passed down.

Explanation: A Life Peer is granted a peerage that is valid only for their lifetime, meaning the title and associated privileges do not pass down to their heirs. This honor is often awarded for distinguished public service.

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Which of these awards was presented to Alexander Todd in 1970?

Answer: Copley Medal

Explanation: In 1970, Alexander Todd received the Copley Medal, the Royal Society's highest award, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to chemistry and biochemistry.

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Personal Life and Legacy

Alexander Todd married Alison Sarah Dale in 1937, and his father-in-law was also a former President of the Royal Society.

Answer: True

Explanation: Alexander Todd married Alison Sarah Dale in 1937. His father-in-law, Sir Henry Hallett Dale, was indeed a distinguished physiologist and a former President of the Royal Society.

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Alexander Todd had four children.

Answer: False

Explanation: Alexander Todd and his wife Alison had three children: Alexander Henry, Helen Jean, and Hilary Alison.

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Alexander Todd passed away in Glasgow in 1997.

Answer: False

Explanation: Alexander Todd passed away in Cambridge on January 10, 1997, at the age of 89.

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The Atherton–Todd reaction is a chemical reaction named solely after Alexander Todd.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Atherton–Todd reaction, a significant transformation in organic chemistry, is named jointly after Alexander Todd and his collaborator, Arthur Atherton.

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A blue plaque commemorating Alexander Todd is located at the University of Manchester's Chemistry Department.

Answer: False

Explanation: A blue plaque commemorating Alexander Todd's scientific legacy is located at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge, not Manchester.

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Alexander Todd's coat of arms bears the motto "Scientia Potentia Est".

Answer: False

Explanation: Alexander Todd's coat of arms features the motto "Faire Sans Dire," which translates to "To do without saying," rather than "Scientia Potentia Est."

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Who was Alexander Todd's father-in-law, also a notable figure in the scientific community?

Answer: Henry Hallett Dale

Explanation: Alexander Todd's father-in-law was Sir Henry Hallett Dale, a distinguished pharmacologist and biochemist who also served as President of the Royal Society.

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Alexander Todd died at the age of 89 in which city?

Answer: Cambridge

Explanation: Alexander Todd passed away in Cambridge on January 10, 1997, at the age of 89.

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What recognition does the Royal Society of Chemistry provide for Alexander Todd at Cambridge University?

Answer: A blue plaque

Explanation: The Royal Society of Chemistry has erected a blue plaque at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge to commemorate Alexander Todd's scientific legacy.

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What is the meaning of the motto "Faire Sans Dire" found on Alexander Todd's coat of arms?

Answer: To Do Without Saying

Explanation: The motto "Faire Sans Dire" inscribed on Alexander Todd's coat of arms translates from French to "To do without saying," reflecting a principle of action and quiet accomplishment.

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Alexander Todd's autobiography shares the title:

Answer: A Time to Remember

Explanation: Alexander Todd's autobiography, reflecting on his life and career, is titled "A Time to Remember."

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