Roger Adams (January 2, 1889 – July 6, 1971) was an American organic chemist. He is best-known for the eponymous Adams' catalyst, but also greatly influenced graduate education in America, taught over 250 Ph.D. students and postgraduate students, and served the U.S. as a scientist at the highest levels during World War I and World War II.
Adams was born in Boston, Massachusetts and grew up in a prosperous neighborhood in South Boston, the last ch...
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Roger Adams (January 2, 1889 – July 6, 1971) was an American organic chemist. He is best-known for the eponymous Adams' catalyst, but also greatly influenced graduate education in America, taught over 250 Ph.D. students and postgraduate students, and served the U.S. as a scientist at the highest levels during World War I and World War II.
Adams was born in Boston, Massachusetts and grew up in a prosperous neighborhood in South Boston, the last child in a gifted family that included Adams's three older sisters (two went to Radcliffe College and one to Smith College). Adams was part of the prominent Adams family, and was descended from John Adams's grandfather.
Adams attending Boston Latin School and Cambridge Latin High School (now called Cambridge Rindge and Latin). In 1900, the family moved to Cambridge, which was closer to the two colleges.
Adams entered Harvard University in 1905 and completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree in three years. In his first year he earned a...
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