Lewis's early career was dedicated to magnetic properties of metal complexes.

He achieved significant acclaim for contributions to metal carbonyl clusters.

Together with his longtime collaborator Brian F. G. Johnson, his research group discovered many structurally unusual compounds.

[16] When Lewis died, Robinson College flew its flag at half mast.

[18] A staircase erected in his honour in the chapel is inscribed with his name and the words "his wisdom shaped this college".