ca. 1914–1950: Polymers and Proteins—Links in the Chain

When summarized neatly as a list of accomplishments, the work of the chemist may seem a continuous flow of productive pursuits and rewarding discoveries. But in truth chemists spend thousands of hours at the laboratory bench for every hour spent at awards banquets—if any—and it is more than instant gratification that keeps them at their labors. One motivation has always been and always will be pure love for the beauty of the system. Seeing and understanding the marvelous way in which elements interact is motivation enough, for most. But beyond that is the knowledge that from time to time discoveries can be made that contribute greatly to the quality of life and even bring us closer to understanding the essence of life itself.