“ He was sent to Europe by his father at an early age, and received his first education at St Andrews. Subsequently he studied medicine at Glasgow and Edinburgh. A short visit to India (in 1837–1838) was followed by his return to Europe to study chemistry, which had always attracted him. This he did at University College, London, and afterwards under Liebig at Giessen, where he took his doctor's degree. At Liebig's request, Playfair translated into English the former's work on the Chemistry of Agriculture, and represented Liebig at a meeting of the British Association at Glasgow. ”

“ In 1846 he was appointed chemist to the geological survey, and thenceforward was constantly employed by the public departments in matters of sanitary and chemical inspection. The opportunity of his life came with the 1851 Exhibition, of which he was one of the special commissioners. ”

“ From 1856 to 1869 he was professor of chemistry at Edinburgh University. In 1868 he was elected to represent the universities of Edinburgh and St Andrews in parliament, and retained his seat till 1885, from which date until 1892 he sat as member for Leeds. ”