Anyone catch NOVA on PBS last night? A great, great episode.

Percy Julian was a very interesting man. He graduated from DePauw University (Greencastle, IN) in 1920 and was a pioneering chemist. Known for synthesizing physostigmine. This alkaloid proved effective in treating glaucoma, a disease responsible for 15 percent of all cases of blindness in the United States. He also helped launch the steroid industry, whose products would eventually include cortisone and the birth control pill.

"Percy Julian was one of the great scientists of the 20th century. In a chemistry career spanning four decades, he made many valuable discoveries, for which he was awarded dozens of patents, 18 honorary degrees, and membership to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences—only the second African-American bestowed such an honor."

--From the NOVA website

If you didn't catch it on PBS, you can watch it on your PC here.

Watch it ... you won't be sorry!

Cher