Roger Adams was a member of the chemistry department at the University of Illinois from 1916-1954 and headed the department for the last 28 years of that period. Some of his most important work involved the elucidation of complex organic structures such as tetrahydrocannabinol (from marijuana), chaulmoogric acid (used in the treatment of leprosy), and gossypol (a toxic agent found in cottonseed oil). He is probably best known, however, for inventing a method for the preparation of platinum in a form usable in catalysis, a substance now known as Adams's catalyst. Throughout his career, Adams was also very active in the administrative aspects of science. Many of his students assumed positions of leadership in the chemical industry, and Adams is credited with having contributed significantly to the rapid development of chemistry in the United States.

Roger Adams was born in Boston on January 2, 1889. He was the youngest of four...