Dr. Percy Julian

April 11, 1899 – April 19, 1975

Born in Alabama in 1899, pioneering chemist Dr. Percy Julian was not allowed to attend high school but went on to be one of the most influential chemists in history. While in Vienna, Julian developed a fascination with the soybean and its interesting properties and capabilities. Focusing on organic chemistry, Julian received his Ph.D. He worked alongside an associate of his from Vienna, Dr. Josef Pikl, on the synthesis of physostigmine, a drug which was used as a treatment for glaucoma. After much work and adversity, Julian was successful and became internationally hailed for his achievement. by accepting a position with the Glidden Company as chief chemist and the Director of the Soya Product Division. This was a significant development as he was the first Black scientist hired for such a position and would pave the way for other Blacks in the future. The Glidden Company was a leading manufacturer of paint and varnish and was counting on Julian to develop compounds from soy-based products which could be used to make paints and other products. Julian did not disappoint, coming up with products such as aero-foam which worked as a flame retardant and was used by the United States Navy and saved the lives of countless sailors during World War II.Percy continued his success as he next developed a way to inexpensively develop male and female hormones from soybeans. These hormones would help to prevent miscarriages in pregnant women and would be used to fight cancer and other ailments. He next set out to provide a synthetic version of cortisone, a product which greatly relieved the pain of suffered by sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis.Despite the fact that many residents of the town relied upon his methods to relieve their pains and provide for their safety, some still could not stand to have him as their neighbor simply because he was Black. Julian left the Glidden Company to establish Julian Laboratories which specialized in producing his synthetic cortisone.Julian finally was recognized as a genius and a pioneer. Sources (www.biography.com, blackinventor.com, Wikipedia.com)