Frank Henry Westheimer was an American chemist. He taught at the University of Chicago from 1936 to 1954, and at Harvard University from 1953 to 1983, becoming the Morris Loeb Professor of Chemistry in 1960, and Professor Emeritus in 1983. The Westheimer medal was established in his honor in 2002.Westheimer did pioneering work in physical organic chemistry,
applying techniques from physical to organic chemistry and integrating the two fields.
He explored the mechanisms of chemical and enzymatic reactions,
and made fundamental theoretical advances.Westheimer worked with John Gamble Kirkwood on the Bjerrum electrostatic analysis of carboxylic acids;
with Joseph Edward Mayer on the calculation of molecular mechanics;
explored the mechanisms of enzyme catalysis with Birgit Vennesland
and determined the mechanisms of chromic acid oxidations and kinetic isotope effects.He received the National Medal of Science in 1986 "For his series of extraordinary, original and penetrating investigations of the mechanisms of organic and enzymic reactions, which have played an unequaled role in the advancement of our knowledge of the ways in which chemical and biochemical processes proceed." Wikipedia
“to Frank Westheimer on presenting an idea: (Harvard Gazette)”
“It may not work, but if it does, it will be a footnote to a footnote in the history of chemistry.”
Presumably in 1979 interview, section “Graduate Study at Harvard”, pp. 16–31, topic “Important conversation with James Conant.”
“A couple of months in the laboratory can frequently save a couple of hours in the library.”
Crampon, Jean E. 1988. Murphy, Parkinson, and Peter: Laws for librarians. Library Journal 113. no. 17 (October 15), p. 41. <br class="br">Various forms, often credited as Westheimer’s Discovery – other forms include: <br class="br">A month in the laboratory can often save an hour in the library. <br class="br"> UCLA Library http://wwwstage.library.ucla.edu/libraries/sel/12451.cfm <br class="br">Why spend a day in the library when you can learn the same thing by working in the laboratory for a month? <br class="br"> Frank H. Westheimer, major figure in 20th century chemistry, dies at 95 http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2007/04/frank-h-westheimer-major-figure-in-20th-century-chemistry-dies-at-95/, Harvard Gazette, April 19, 2007 <br class="br">Some version perhaps found in 1979 interview, Frank H. Westheimer http://www.chemheritage.org/discover/collections/oral-histories/details/westheimer-frank-h.aspx, Oral Histories, Chemical Heritage Foundation, in chapter “Research Projects and Philosophy”, p. 63, topic “Reading the literature.”
