Abstract
This paper approaches the biography of Enrique Moles, probably the most prestigious Spanish chemist in the fi rst half of 20th century. It is part of the public homage which has been devoted to him in 2013. The paper covers in detail two main aspects of Moles’ life: his significant contribution to the determination of atomic weights, in which he gained international recognition; and his exile, and later prosecution, and jail. Moles’ case clearly illustrates the dramatic break caused by the Spanish Civil War and Franco dictatorship.