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'''Paul Hermann Müller''' (January 12, 1899 – October 12, 1965) was a Swiss chemist who is best known for his discovery of the insecticidal properties of [[DDT]] (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane), for which he was awarded the [[Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine]] in 1948. Müller's work on DDT played a significant role in the development of chemical methods for controlling insect-borne diseases, such as malaria and typhus, contributing to the improvement of public health standards worldwide.
== Paul Hermann Müller ==


==Early Life and Education==
[[File:Paul_Hermann_Müller_nobel.jpg|thumb|right|Paul Hermann Müller receiving the Nobel Prize]]
Paul Hermann Müller was born in Olten, Switzerland, and pursued his education in the field of chemistry. He graduated with a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Basel in 1925. Müller's early career was marked by his interest in synthetic dyes and natural products, which led him to explore the chemical synthesis of plant-based compounds.


==Career and Discovery==
'''Paul Hermann Müller''' (12 January 1899 – 12 October 1965) was a Swiss chemist best known for his discovery of the insecticidal properties of [[DDT]] (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane). His work had a significant impact on agriculture and public health, particularly in the control of [[malaria]] and other insect-borne diseases.
In 1935, Müller began working for the Swiss chemical company [[J.R. Geigy AG]] (now part of [[Novartis]]), where he embarked on a project to find an effective contact insecticide. His research led to the discovery of DDT in 1939, a compound that proved to be highly effective against a wide range of insects. The discovery of DDT's insecticidal properties was groundbreaking, as it offered a powerful tool against the spread of insect-borne diseases.


Müller's work on DDT was recognized internationally, and its widespread use during [[World War II]] helped protect troops and civilian populations from vector-borne diseases such as malaria and typhus. Following the war, DDT was used extensively in agricultural and public health programs around the world.
== Early Life and Education ==


==Nobel Prize and Legacy==
Müller was born in [[Olten]], [[Switzerland]], and grew up in [[Lenzburg]]. He attended the [[University of Basel]], where he studied chemistry, botany, and physics. Müller completed his doctorate in 1925, focusing on plant pigments.
In 1948, Paul Hermann Müller was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the high efficiency of DDT as a contact poison against several arthropods. His work had a profound impact on public health and agriculture, contributing to significant reductions in disease transmission and crop damage.


However, the extensive use of DDT eventually led to environmental and health concerns, including the development of resistance among insect populations, and its impact on wildlife and ecosystems. These concerns culminated in the widespread restriction and ban of DDT in many countries during the 1970s.
== Career ==


Despite the controversy surrounding DDT, Müller's contribution to science and public health remains significant. His discovery paved the way for the development of other chemical methods for pest control and highlighted the importance of chemical solutions in disease prevention.
After completing his education, Müller joined the [[J. R. Geigy AG]] chemical company in Basel. He initially worked on synthetic dyes and tanning agents. His interest in insecticides began in the 1930s, as he sought to develop chemicals that could protect crops from insect damage.


==Death==
== Discovery of DDT ==
Paul Hermann Müller passed away on October 12, 1965, in Basel, Switzerland. His legacy is remembered for the dual impact of his discovery—both the benefits it brought to public health and agriculture, and the environmental challenges it posed.


==See Also==
In 1939, Müller discovered the potent insecticidal properties of DDT. He found that DDT was highly effective against a wide range of insects, including those that spread diseases such as malaria and typhus. This discovery was particularly important during [[World War II]], as DDT was used to protect soldiers and civilians from insect-borne diseases.
 
== Nobel Prize ==
 
In 1948, Müller was awarded the [[Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine]] for his discovery of DDT as an insecticide. The award recognized the significant impact of his work on public health and agriculture.
 
== Later Life and Legacy ==
 
Müller continued to work in the field of chemistry until his retirement. He passed away in 1965 in [[Basel]]. His discovery of DDT had a lasting impact on the control of insect-borne diseases, although the environmental and health effects of DDT later led to its restriction and ban in many countries.
 
== Related Pages ==
 
* [[DDT]]
* [[Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine]]
* [[Malaria]]
* [[Insecticide]]
* [[Insecticide]]
* [[Malaria]]
 
* [[Public Health]]
{{Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Laureates 1941–1960}}
* [[Environmental Impact of Pesticides]]


[[Category:Swiss chemists]]
[[Category:Swiss chemists]]
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[[Category:1899 births]]
[[Category:1899 births]]
[[Category:1965 deaths]]
[[Category:1965 deaths]]
{{Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine}}
{{Chemistry-stub}}

Latest revision as of 16:27, 16 February 2025

Paul Hermann Müller[edit]

Paul Hermann Müller receiving the Nobel Prize

Paul Hermann Müller (12 January 1899 – 12 October 1965) was a Swiss chemist best known for his discovery of the insecticidal properties of DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane). His work had a significant impact on agriculture and public health, particularly in the control of malaria and other insect-borne diseases.

Early Life and Education[edit]

Müller was born in Olten, Switzerland, and grew up in Lenzburg. He attended the University of Basel, where he studied chemistry, botany, and physics. Müller completed his doctorate in 1925, focusing on plant pigments.

Career[edit]

After completing his education, Müller joined the J. R. Geigy AG chemical company in Basel. He initially worked on synthetic dyes and tanning agents. His interest in insecticides began in the 1930s, as he sought to develop chemicals that could protect crops from insect damage.

Discovery of DDT[edit]

In 1939, Müller discovered the potent insecticidal properties of DDT. He found that DDT was highly effective against a wide range of insects, including those that spread diseases such as malaria and typhus. This discovery was particularly important during World War II, as DDT was used to protect soldiers and civilians from insect-borne diseases.

Nobel Prize[edit]

In 1948, Müller was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of DDT as an insecticide. The award recognized the significant impact of his work on public health and agriculture.

Later Life and Legacy[edit]

Müller continued to work in the field of chemistry until his retirement. He passed away in 1965 in Basel. His discovery of DDT had a lasting impact on the control of insect-borne diseases, although the environmental and health effects of DDT later led to its restriction and ban in many countries.

Related Pages[edit]

Template:Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Laureates 1941–1960

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