Julian, Percy Lavon

1899-1975 · Contribution: 1930s-1960s

Chemist

Chemical synthesis of physostigmine and steroid hormones from soybeans

Science & Medicine — collage image
Science & Medicine

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Quick facts

Born
1899, Montgomery, Alabama
Active since
1935
Category
Science & Medicine
Best known for
Synthesizing medicines from plant sterols

Impact on the world

Julian's syntheses laid the foundation for the modern steroid-drug industry, making hormones and anti-inflammatory medicines affordable and widely available.

Sources

  1. Science History Institute

1 more sources and references are available to members.