Edward C. Kendall
Who was Edward C. Kendall?
Nobel laureate: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1950)
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Edward C. Kendall (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Edward Calvin Kendall (March 8, 1886 – May 4, 1972) was an American biochemist known for his pioneering research on hormones. This work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1950. Born in South Norwalk, Connecticut, Kendall became a key figure in biochemistry in the 20th century, focusing on adrenal and thyroid hormones, significantly advancing the understanding of endocrine function. His discoveries led to treatments for various medical conditions.
Kendall studied at Columbia University, attending the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science after graduating from Norwalk High School and Stamford High School. His education laid the groundwork for a long research career across several institutions, making him a leading biochemist and endocrinologist.
Most of Kendall's important work was done at the Graduate School of the Mayo Foundation, where he was a biochemist. He focused on isolating and identifying hormones from the adrenal and thyroid glands. He successfully isolated thyroxine, a key thyroid hormone, and made major contributions to understanding adrenal gland hormones. His work on cortisone and related compounds was especially vital in treating inflammatory conditions.
In 1950, Kendall shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Swiss chemist Tadeusz Reichstein and Mayo Clinic physician Philip S. Hench for their work on adrenal gland hormones. This award underscored the importance of their discoveries for science and medicine. Besides hormone research, Kendall also worked on crystallizing glutathione and identifying its chemical structure, showing his skill as a biochemist.
After leaving the Mayo Foundation, Kendall joined Princeton University’s faculty and continued his academic work until his death on May 4, 1972. Throughout his career, he received many accolades for his contributions to science and medicine, including the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, the AMA Scientific Achievement Award, and the George M. Kober Medal. His influence extended beyond his research, as he guided students and shaped the future of biochemical research for generations of scientists.
Before Fame
Growing up in South Norwalk, Connecticut, in the late 19th century, Kendall experienced a time when science and industry were rapidly advancing. He attended local high schools in Norwalk and Stamford before going on to study at Columbia University. The early 1900s was a great time for biochemistry and medical research, as scientists were starting to grasp the complex chemical processes that control human physiology.
Endocrinology was still new when Kendall started his career, with researchers just beginning to find and isolate the various hormones that control bodily functions. This new area of science gave ambitious researchers like Kendall the chance to make key discoveries that would change medical knowledge and treatment methods.
Key Achievements
- Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1950) for work on adrenal gland hormones
- Successful isolation of thyroxine, a critical thyroid hormone
- Crystallization and chemical structure identification of glutathione
- Development of cortisone research leading to revolutionary anti-inflammatory treatments
- Receipt of multiple prestigious scientific awards including the Lasker Award and George M. Kober Medal
Did You Know?
- 01.Kendall Elementary School in Norwalk, Connecticut, was named in his honor
- 02.He received the John Scott Award as early as 1920, three decades before his Nobel Prize
- 03.Kendall worked with the team that not only crystallized glutathione but also identified its complete chemical structure
- 04.He received awards spanning five decades, from the John Scott Award in 1920 to the Golden Plate Award in 1966
- 05.His work at the Mayo Foundation was conducted in collaboration with physician Philip S. Hench, who also shared the Nobel Prize
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine | 1950 | for their discoveries relating to the hormones of the adrenal cortex, their structure and biological effects |
| Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award | 1949 | — |
| AMA Scientific Achievement Award | 1965 | — |
| George M. Kober Medal | 1952 | — |
| Remsen Award | 1950 | — |
| Cameron Prize of the University of Edinburgh | — | — |
| John Scott Award | 1920 | — |
| Golden Plate Award | 1966 | — |