59–006 

110TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1st Session 110–4 

HONORING THE LIFE OF PERCY LAVON JULIAN, A PIONEER IN THE FIELD 

OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND THE 

FIRST AND ONLY AFRICAN AMERICAN CHEMIST TO BE INDUCTED INTO 

THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 

JANUARY 29, 2007.—Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed 

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee, from the Committee on Science and 

Technology, submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

[To accompany H. Con. Res. 34] 

The Committee on Science and Technology, to whom was referred the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 34) honoring the life 

of Percy Lavon Julian, a pioneer in the field of organic chemistry 

research and development and the first and only African American 

chemist to be inducted into the National Academy of Sciences, having considered the same, report favorably thereon without amendment and recommend that the concurrent resolution be agreed to. 

PURPOSE OF THE LEGISLATION

H. Con. Res. 34 expresses the House of Representatives’ desire 

to honor the life of Percy Lavon Julian. 

BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR THE LEGISLATION

Percy Julian was one of the great scientists of the 20th century. 

The grandson of Alabama slaves, Julian won worldwide acclaim for 

his work in organic chemistry and broke the color barrier in American science more than a decade before Jackie Robinson did so in 

baseball. A distinguished student, Dr. Julian worked his way 

through college but still graduated as class Valedictorian at 

DePauw and did graduate work at Harvard and University of Vienna. At the depth of the Great Depression, DePauw welcomed him 

back as a teacher of organic chemistry. A brilliant chemist at 

DePauw, Dr. Julian discovered a way to turn soybeans into synthetic steroids on an industrial scale and discovered a process to 

synthesize physostigmine, the drug used in the treatment of glaucoma. After just five years at DePauw, Glidden Company hired Dr. 

Julian as its Director of Research. While there, he pioneered a 

process for the chemical synthesis of cortisone from soy which alVerDate Aug 31 2005 06:23 Jan 31, 2007 Jkt 059006 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR004.XXX HR004

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lowed for the widespread and affordable use of cortisone in the 

treatment of arthritis. 

In 1950, the Julian family decided to move from Chicago to suburban Oak Park. Their home was fire bombed before they could 

move in. His new neighbors rallied around him and he stayed, 

formed a business in Oak Park to produce synthetic cortisone from 

yams, and became a community leader. The year after his death, 

the Village government made his birthday a local holiday. 

His business success brought him substantial wealth and he became a civil rights leader in the Chicago area. He founded the National Negro Business and Professional Committee for the Legal 

Defense Fund and raised money for the NAACP and was a contributor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian 

Leadership Conference. 

Dr. Julian is the only African American organic chemist to be 

elected to the National Academy of Sciences. By the time of his 

death in 1973, he had received over 100 patents as well as 19 honorary Doctorates. Dr. Julian’s life story has now been documented 

in the PBS NOVA film ‘‘Forgotten Genius’’. 

Given Dr. Julian’s major achievements, it is fitting and proper 

for the House of Representatives to honor him at the time of the 

release of the film about his life. 

SUMMARY OF THE LEGISLATION

The official title of the resolution as introduced is: a Resolution 

honoring the life of Percy Lavon Julian, a pioneer in the field of 

organic chemistry research and development and the first and only 

African American to be inducted into the National Academy of 

Sciences. 

H. Con. Res. 34 lists many of Dr. Julian’s achievements and resolves that the Congress honor the life of Percy Lavon Julian, a 

pioneer in the field of organic chemistry research and development 

and the first and only African American chemist to be inducted 

into the National Academy of Sciences. 

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY AND COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson introduced this resolution 

on January 12, 2007 for herself, and Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Gordon of Tennessee, Mr. Costello, Mr. Rohrabacher, Ms. 

Norton, Mr. Ehlers, Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, Ms. Kilpatrick of 

Michigan, Mr. Holt, and Ms. Matsui. 

The resolution was referred to the Committee on Science and 

Technology. On January 24, 2007 the resolution was considered at 

a Science and Technology Committee mark-up session and was ordered favorably reported by voice vote. 

ROLLCALL VOTES

Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives requires each committee report to include the total number of 

votes cast for and against on each rollcall vote on a motion to report and on any amendment offered to the measure or matter, and 

the names of those members voting for and against. There were no 

rollcall votes on this resolution. 


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COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS

With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII of 

the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee’s oversight findings and recommendations are reflected in this report. 

COST OF LEGISLATION

With respect to the requirements of clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of 

the Rules of the House of Representatives, H. Res. 34 is a sense 

of the House resolution and therefore does not have the force of 

law. As such, there is no cost associated with this legislation for 

fiscal year 2007, nor for any fiscal year thereafter. 

COMPLIANCE WITH HOUSE RULE XIII

1. With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII 

of the Rules of the House of Representatives, and 308(a) of the 

Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee advises that the 

resolution contains no measure that authorizes funding, so no comparison of the total estimated funding level for the relevant programs to the appropriate levels under current law is required. 

2. With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII 

of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee advises that the resolution contains no measure that authorizes funding, so no statement of general performance and objectives for any 

measure that authorizes funding is required. 

3. With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII 

of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 402 of the 

Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee advises that the 

resolution contains no measure that authorizes funding, so no cost 

estimate nor comparison for any measure that authorizes funding 

is required. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT

Pursuant to clause 3(d)(I) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, committee reports on a bill or joint resolution 

of a public character shall include a statement citing the specific 

powers granted to the Congress in the Constitution to enact the 

measure. The Committee on Science and Technology finds that 

Congress has the authority to enact this measure pursuant to its 

powers granted under article I, section 8 of the Constitution. 

FEDERAL MANDATES STATEMENT

The Resolution contains no federal mandates. 

PREEMPTION CLARIFICATION

Section 423 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 requires the 

report of any Committee on a bill or joint resolution to include a 

statement on the extent to which the bill or joint resolution is intended to preempt state, local, or tribal law. The Committee states 

that H. Con. Res. 34 does not preempt any state, local, or tribal 

law. 


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ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b) of the 

Federal Advisory Committee Act are created by this legislation. 

APPLICABILITY TO THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to the 

terms and conditions of employment or access to public services or 

accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act. (Public Law 104–1.) 

CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED

H. Con. Res. makes no changes in existing law. 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP

Chairman GORDON. Next, we will take up H. Con. Res. 34, honoring the life of Percy Lavon Julian. I recognize Ms. Johnson for 

5 minutes to speak on this bill. 

Ms. JOHNSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for considering this 

resolution—honoring the life of Dr. Percy Lavon Julian. 

Dr. Julian was an outstanding chemist, and as a Black man, 

overcame countless obstacles to achieve international recognition 

for his scientific accomplishments. He spent his youth in Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama. When he decided to leave 

home and go to college in Indiana, his entire family came to see 

him off at the train station, including his 99-year-old grandmother, 

a former slave. His grandfather was also there. His grandfather’s 

right hand was two fingers short. The fingers had been cut off for 

violating the code for forbidding slaves to read and write. 

But in Indiana, at DePaul University, Dr. Julian lived in the 

attic of a fraternity house. His support and tuition came from his 

earnings as a waiter. Often, he worked as a ditch digger during the 

day and attended classes in the evening. Though at the top of his 

class in college, he was discouraged from pursuing graduate studies 

because of potential racial sentiment on the part of future coworkers and employers. Nevertheless, he earned a fellowship to study 

chemistry at Harvard University where he received his masters degree, and in 1931, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Vienna. 

Dr. Julian synthesized a chemical treatment for glaucoma and he 

synthesized cortisone for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. He 

is also noted for inventing a foam to extinguish gasoline in oil fires 

that was used during World War II. Over the course of his career, 

he acquired over 115 patents. He received wide recognition by the 

scientific community for his research and was elected into the prestigious National Academy of Sciences. He was a bright, talented individual who excelled in life in the face of overwhelming challenges. 

And so my bill, this House Concurrent Resolution, honors his life. 

There are 12 original co-sponsors as well as a partnership with 

Senator Obama who is handling the bill in the Senate. And I am 

pleased that the House Committee on Science and Technology has 

agreed to expedite this bill. As a black chemist of international 

fame, Dr. Julian is a role model for the future generations of minority scientists. I feel it is important to lift up women and minoriVerDate Aug 31 2005 06:23 Jan 31, 2007 Jkt 059006 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR004.XXX HR004

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ties who excelled in science, math, and engineering. We need the 

role models. 

I hope the Committee will consider policies to encourage more 

women and minorities to pursue careers where I have spent a lot 

of time, as the Chairman knows, in science, technology, engineering, and math. They need more help than is currently being provided. I want also to say that Dr. Julian’s life will be on public television on February 6th. I understand it is 2 hours long. So I am 

not sure that I recommend watching all of the 2 hours. 

Mr. Chairman, I recommend that this resolution pass, and I yield 

back the balance of my time. 

Chairman GORDON. I am pleased to recognize Dr. Ehlers for 5 

minutes. 

Mr. EHLERS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

As a principal co-sponsor of this resolution, and also as a fellow 

scientist, I am very pleased to honor one of our Nation’s greatest 

scientists, Dr. Percy Lavon Julian. The breadth and depth of his 

work left a profound legacy that inspires us all. 

Dr. Julian was not defined by a single discipline. Rather, he set 

an example of what an innovative mind is capable of achieving, 

against all odds. His ingenious cortisone synthesis dropped the 

price of the drug’s production, allowing it to be made available to 

many people suffering from joint pain and other inflammations. 

While many remember him for his novel synthesis of glaucoma and 

rheumatoid arthritis drugs, Percy Julian is also noted for inventing 

a fire-extinguishing foam for gasoline and oil fires. His inventions 

are even more notable because of the world in which they took 

place. At a time when there were very few faculty positions available to African Americans in the United States, Dr. Julian built his 

research portfolio by finding opportunities at all-Black universities 

and also overseas universities. 

Through his many years of teaching, he became known as a firstclass educator and a man who always looked to build bridges between races. For this reason, he is remembered as both an eminent 

scientist and a public servant. It is my hope that pioneers like Dr. 

Julian will inspire the students of today, who wonder why they 

need to persevere in studying science and math, and will encourage 

them that these skills can directly benefit the public good. 

Today, we still do not have minorities and women well represented in science, technology, engineering, and math fields. Despite efforts to reverse these trends, in the last 10 years, the percentage of black engineering undergraduate students has steadily 

declined. While the minority share of advanced degrees in science 

and engineering is improving as a whole, the physical and computer sciences disciplines still suffer dramatic under-representation 

by women and minorities. 

I am pleased the Committee is considering this resolution, and 

I thank my colleague, Ms. Johnson, for introducing the resolution, 

and I urge its adoption. 

[The statement follows:] 

OPENING STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE VERNON J. EHLERS

I am pleased to honor one of our nation’s greatest scientists, Dr. Percy Lavon Julian. The breadth and depth of his work left a profound legacy that inspires us all. 

Dr. Julian was not defined by a single discipline; rather, he set an example of 

what an innovative mind is capable of achieving, against all odds. His ingenious corVerDate Aug 31 2005 06:23 Jan 31, 2007 Jkt 059006 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6621 E:\HR\OC\HR004.XXX HR004

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tisone synthesis dropped the price of the drug’s production, allowing it to be made 

available to many people suffering from joint pain and other inflammation. While 

many remember him for his novel synthesis of glaucoma and rheumatoid arthritis 

drugs, Percy Julian is also noted for inventing a fire-extinguishing foam for gasoline 

and oil fires. 

His inventions are even more notable because of the world in which they took 

place. At a time when there were very few faculty positions available to African 

Americans in the United States, Julian built his research portfolio by finding opportunities at all-black universities and overseas. Through his many years of teaching, 

he became known as a first-class educator, and a man who always looked to build 

bridges between races. For this reason, he is remembered as both an eminent scientist and a public servant. 

It is my hope that pioneers like Dr. Julian will inspire the students of today who 

wonder why they need to persevere in studying science and math and will encourage them that these skills can directly benefit the public good. Today we still do 

not have minorities and women well-represented in science, technology, engineering 

and math fields. Despite efforts to reverse these trends, in the last ten years the 

percentage of black engineering undergraduate students has steadily declined. 

While the minority share of advanced degrees in science and engineering is improving as a whole, the physical and computer sciences disciplines still suffer dramatic 

under-representation by women and minorities. 

I am pleased the Committee is considering this bill, and thank my colleague Mrs. 

Johnson for introducing the Resolution. 

Chairman GORDON. Thank you, Mr. Ehlers. Without objection, 

all members’ opening statements will be placed in the record at 

this point. 

And let me thank Ms. Johnson, also, not only for entering this 

resolution, but more importantly, for her many years of tireless 

work in trying to move forward minority and women into these 

fields. It is important. This Committee will continue those efforts, 

and I appreciate Ms. Johnson’s leadership there. 

I ask unanimous consent that the bill is considered as read and 

open to amendment at all point—at any point. 

Without objection, so ordered. 

[H. Con. Res. 34 follows:] 

H. CON. RES. 34 

Whereas Percy Julian was born on April 11, 1899, in Montgomery, Alabama, the son of a railway clerk and the first member 

of his family to attend college, graduating from DePauw University 

in 1920, receiving a M.S. degree from Harvard University in 1923 

and a Ph.D. from the University of Vienna in 1931; 

Whereas in 1935 Dr. Julian became the first to discover a process 

to synthesize physostigmine, the drug used in the treatment of 

glaucoma; 

Whereas Dr. Julian later pioneered a commercial process to synthesize cortisone from soy beans and yams, enabling the widespread use of cortisone as an affordable treatment of arthritis; 

Whereas Dr. Julian was the first African American chemist elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1973 for his lifetime of 

scientific accomplishments, held over 130 patents at the time of his 

death in 1975, and dedicated much of his life to the advancement 

of African Americans in the sciences; and 

Whereas Dr. Julian’s life story has been documented in the PBS 

NOVA film ‘‘Forgotten Genius’’: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 

That the Congress honors the life of Percy Lavon Julian, a pioneer 

in the field of organic chemistry research and development and the 


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first and only African American chemist to be inducted into the National Academy of Sciences. 

Chairman GORDON. Are there amendments? Hearing none, the 

vote is on the bill H. Con. Res. 34. All of those in favor, say aye. 

All of those opposed, no. In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have 

it. 

I now recognize Mr. Hall to offer a motion. 

Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee favorably 

report H. Con. Res. 34 to the House with the recommendation that 

the bill do pass. Furthermore, I move that the staff be instructed 

to prepare the legislative report and make necessary technical and 

conforming changes and that the Chairman take all necessary 

steps to bring the bill before the House for consideration. 

Chairman GORDON. The question is on the motion to report the 

bill favorably. Those in favor of the motion will signify by saying 

aye. Opposed, nay. The ayes have it. 

Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. 

I move that members have 2 subsequent calendar days in which to 

submit supplemental minority or additional views on the measure. 

I move pursuant to Clause 1 of Rule 22 of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives that the Committee authorize the Chairman to 

offer such motions as may be necessary in the House to adopt and 

pass H. Con. Res. 34. Without objection, so ordered. 

Æ 


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