RSC - Advancing the Chemical Sciences


 

1952-1959


Highlights from the 50's

 
Polio Vaccine
Polio Vaccine

Polio Vaccine
 

1952

  • First Polio Vaccine developed
    • Polio (poliomyelitis) was, by the early 1950's, one of the most feared diseases in the world. The development of the Polio vaccine in 1952 means that it has now almost been eradicated worldwide      

1953

  • Structure of DNA discovered 
    • The discovery in 1953 of the structure of DNA has opened up a massive field of scientific research, and answered the question of how DNA reproduces  

1954

  • Ziegler-Natta catalysts developed 
    • In 1954 Ziegler-Natta catalysts allowed the efficient synthetic production of rubbers and plastics for the first time  

1955

  • Structure of Vitamin B12 discovered 
    • The discovery of the structure of Vitamin B12 made the search for an artificial synthesis of the compound much easier.
      Vitamin B12 is used to treat pernicious anaemia and is an essential part of our diet  

1956

  • Morphine synthesised artificially 
    • The artificial synthesis of morphine has made access to pain relief safer and more reliable  

1957

  • Development of polycarbonate plastics 
    • Clear, high impact, plastics used in everything from headlights to microwave cookware  

1958

  • Superglue launched 
    • The chemical behind superglue was actually discovered in 1924, but its use as an adhesive was not realised until over a quarter of a century later  

1959

  • The Two Cultures by CP Snow published 
    • In "The Two Cultures" CP Snow suggested that scientists and non-scientists effectively inhabited separate cultures. The debates as to whether this is a fair interpretation are still ongoing, with a single, two or even three cultures having been postulated