This lively and profusely illustrated history of major developments in the American chemical industries focuses on the contributions made by winners of the Perkin and Chemical Industry Medals. An introductory section on the American Section of the Society of Chemical Industry is followed by chapters on electrochemicals; minerals and gases; synthetic organic chemicals; chemical education and industrial research; petrochemicals; nylon, rubber, and plastics; pharmaceuticals; communications and the environment; and the role of chemical industrialists. Appendices list chairmen of the American section and winners of the Perkin and Chemical Industry Medals.