Scientists included in this book represent the fields of biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, dentistry, engineering, entomology, genetics, geology, mathematics, medicine, nursing, physics, psychology, sociology, zoology, and inventions. Described here are African American men and women who have contributed to the advancement of science, including inventions. These individuals have contributed in large and small ways that might have been overlooked when chronicling the history of science. All individuals included here were listed in the published literature. The author conducted no interviews, and no suggestions were accepted solely on the basis of hearsay. There is no intent to be all-inclusive. The selections were strictly the author's. Many important contributions have been omitted, especially those of recent years, because a limit had to be set. This book shows that African Americans made many contributions to the sciences, medicine, education, and inventions as slaves, as freed persons, and as immigrants. They made contributions during the period of slavery, segregation, sharecropping and the modern era. Their contributions had and continue to have an impact on the economy of the United States, and the convenience, education, health, safety, security, and welfare of its citizens. These contributors improved the economic well-being of individuals and groups of individuals. They saved lives, improved the health of people, alleviated much pain and suffering, and raised the levels of education and knowledge. The activities and deeds of George Washington Carver, Ernest Everett Just, Percy Lavon Julian, and Charles Richard Drew, who are arguably the greatest of the African American scientists and who have made great contributions, exemplify these characteristics. Some of their research, creations, and contributions will have an influence--at home and abroad--well into the future.

Presents capsule accounts of notable first achievements by African Americans, arranged in the categories "Agriculture and Everyday Life, " "Dentistry and Nursing, " "Life Science, " "Math and Engineering, " "Medicine, " "Physical Science, " and "Transportation."

Some of them were elementary school dropouts. Others became medical doctors or college professors. Some were famous, while some toiled in obscurity. Some became rich. Others remained poor their whole lives. But the African-American scientists and inventors profiled in this book had one thing in common: a determination to succeed. And in pursuing their dreams, these creative thinkers made the world a better place. Lewis Latimer devised a manufacturing process that made electric lights affordable for ordinary people. Charles Drew did pioneering work in blood storage, helping save countless lives. Garrett Woods figured out how to send messages from moving trains. Learn about these and many other black scientists and inventors in this fascinating book.

Did YOU know that a camera invented by a Black astrophysicist was used during the Apollo 16 space mission to collect ultraviolet images photographed from the moon?In fact did you know any of the following facts?• An early eighteenth century Virginia slave developed effective treatments against skin and venereal disease. In fact: 'His work was so outstanding that in 1729 the Virginia Legislature bought him from his owner, thus freeing him from slavery, to practice medicine exclusively'• Astronomical works by a late eighteenth century Black mathematician and astronomer were widely read and 'became a household staple in early America along with the Bible'• A nineteenth century African American blacksmith patented an invention described as 'the most important single invention in the whole history of whaling'• A nineteenth century inventor of Black South American heritage created such a revolution in the shoe industry, that it was said of him: 'What Edison is to artificial lighting, [he] is to footwear'• By 1913, African Americans held around 1,000 patents for various inventions in household goods, industrial machinery, transportation, electricity and chemical compounds• A Black physicist extended the Quantum Theory in the 1920s• Henry Ford described a Black botanist in the 1930s as 'the greatest living scientist'• Another Black chemist invented synthetic cortisone, an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis that broke the monopoly that European chemists had on the production of sterols• Twelve Black scientists and mathematicians worked on the Manhattan Project, i.e. the American nuclear bomb project, during World War II• A Black surgeon headed the blood bank system of the US and the UK during World War II• The research of a Black physicist and inventor of the 1960s may hold a key to addressing the main concerns of our times – dwindling sources of useable energy, rising energy costs, and increasing demand for energyFor too many people, it may be the first time that they had ever encountered such information. This is unfortunate. I believe that African and African Diasporan science history is a subject that has had too little attention paid to it. Some important writers have ventured into the field; Professor Ivan Van Sertima and his team, Mr J. A. Rogers, Mr Samuel Kennedy Yeboah, Dr Louis Haber, and Mr Hunter Havelin Adams III. My work synthesises and updates their findings. I also present the data in an easy to digest, bite-size way.This book is a general introduction to the role played by the African Americans in the evolution of the Space Sciences, Invention, Mathematics & Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Botany & Zoology, and Medicine & Surgery.

Traces the lives of fourteen black scientists and inventors who have made significant contributions in the various fields of science and industry.

Scientists included in this book represent the fields of biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, dentistry, engineering, entomology, genetics, geology, mathematics, medicine, nursing, physics, psychology, sociology, zoology, and inventions. Described here are African American men and women who have contributed to the advancement of science including inventions. These individuals have contributed in large and small ways that might have been overlooked when chronicling the history of science.