Department of Biological Chemistry
In 1922, the Board of Regents voted (on advice from the Dean of the Medical School, Hugh Cabot) to separate the Physiological Chemistry unit from the Department of Bacteriology, Physiological Chemistry and Hygiene.
Howard Bishop Lewis was appointed to the first chair of the new department. Lewis, also served as the Director of the College of Pharmacy from 1933 until 1947.
Frederick G. Novy was chair of the composite department and had taught Physiological Chemistry at the University since 1891. Even after the new department was formed, he insisted that it keep its historical name, and it was not until Novy's retirement in 1935 that the department became Biological Chemistry.
Halvor Christensen chaired the department in 1955 and remained until 1970. Minor J. Coon was appointed chairman in 1971, and then Jack E. Dixon in 1991.
Chairs of the Department of Physiological Chemistry
In 1922, the Board of Regents voted (on advice from the Dean of the Medical School, Hugh Cabot) to separate the Physiological Chemistry unit from the Department of Bacteriology, Physiological Chemistry and Hygiene.
The University of Michigan Department of Physiological Chemistry in the Medical School was changed to “Department of Biological Chemistry” in 1935
(Regents Proceedings, 1935, page 588)
Frederick George Novy
Director of Hygienic Laboratory
1909-
Department of Bacteriology, Physiological Chemistry & Hygiene
Howard Bishop Lewis
1922-1954 ?
Director of College of Pharmacy
1933-1947
John Jacob Abel University Professor of Biological Chemistry.
Halvor Christensen
1955-1970
Minor J. Coon
1970-1990
Eugene E. Dekker
1/1/1978-6/30/1978 (Acting)
1984 (Acting)
1990 (Acting)
Jairam K. M. Menon
1990 (Interim)
Jack E. Dixon
1991-2003
Irwin J. Goldstein
2001 (Interim)
William L. Smith
2003-
