Julian, Percy Lavon
1899-1975 · Contribution: 1930s-1960s
Chemical synthesis of physostigmine and steroid hormones from soybeans
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Impact on the world
His large-scale synthesis of cortisone, progesterone, and testosterone from plant sterols laid the foundation for the modern steroid drug industry, dramatically lowering the cost of these medicines.
Life & background
A research chemist and pioneer in synthesizing medicinal drugs from plants, Julian was the first to synthesize the natural compound physostigmine, used to treat glaucoma. His soybean-derived steroid synthesis work helped make cortisone and birth control hormones affordable and widely available. He held over 130 chemical patents during his career.
Sources
- Science History Institute; American Chemical Society (National Historic Chemical Landmark); U.S. patent record
More in Science & Medicine
Alcorn, George Edward Jr.
1940-2024
Imaging X-ray spectrometer fabrication method
Alexander, Claudia
1959-2015
Planetary science mission leadership
Amos, Harold
1918-2003
Microbiology research and mentorship
Arinzeh, Treena Livingston
unknown
Developed the first Tissue Engineering and Applied Biomaterials Laboratory at the New Jersey Institute of Technology