Oral history interview with Ernest H. Volwiler, 1986 August 18.

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Volwiler, Ernest H., 1893-1992,. Oral history interview with Ernest H. Volwiler, 1986 August 18.

Oral history interview with Ernest H. Volwiler, 1986 August 18.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/715390940

Ernest Volwiler begins this interview by briefly discussing his early years in Ohio, leading to college study at Miami University, where he first became interested in chemistry. He remembers the influence of faculty there and his wish to undertake graduate studies at the University of Illinois. He recounts the circumstances of his decision to proceed to the Ph.D. program after completion of his Master's degree. Research work with Roger Adams and the summer organic chemicals production enterprise helped to introduce Volwiler to drug synthesis. His long career with Abbott Laboratories started in organic synthesis, including some plant production responsibilities. Volwiler recalls Dr. Abbott as well as some of his fellow workers in the laboratories in the 1920s and 1930s. World War II saw the production of penicillin and company expansion. Volwiler was a member of the pharmaceutics investigating team sent to Germany immediately after the end of the war and he describes his experiences there. Post-war advancement led Volwiler to the presidency of Abbott Laboratories, and he discusses how he trimmed the production line and initiated development into new areas. His ACS activities culminated in his election as Society President in 1950. Volwiler ends his interview with Bohning by reflecting on the nature of the modern pharmaceutical industry.

Sound files ; digital, mp3 fileTranscript : (38 leaves) ; 29 cm.

Chemical Heritage Foundation, Othmer Library of Chemical History