Born: July 24, 1892 (Seattle, Washington)
Died: December 31, 1916
Biography:
Alice Augusta Ball was an American chemist who made significant contributions to the field of medicine during the early 20th century. Born on July 24, 1892, in Seattle, Washington, she became known for developing the Ball Method, which was the most effective treatment for leprosy at that time. Despite her remarkable accomplishments, her contributions to science were not recognized until many years after her untimely death at the age of 24.
Alice Ball was raised in a middle-class and well-educated family. Her father, James Presley Ball, was a newspaper editor, photographer, and lawyer, while her mother, Laura Louise Ball, also worked as a photographer. From an early age, Ball was surrounded by the world of photography, as her grandfather, James Ball Sr., was one of the first African Americans to use the daguerreotype process. This exposure to chemical processes and her family’s love for photography may have fueled her interest in chemistry.
In 1903, the Ball family moved to Honolulu, hoping that the warmer climate would alleviate her grandfather’s arthritis. Unfortunately, her grandfather passed away shortly after their arrival, and the family returned to Seattle in 1905. Despite the challenges of moving back and forth, Ball maintained a strong academic focus and excelled in the sciences during her time at Seattle High School. In 1910, she graduated with top grades and went on to pursue higher education.
Ball enrolled at the University of Washington, where she studied chemistry. In 1912, she earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical chemistry, and two years later, she obtained a second bachelor’s degree in the science of pharmacy. During her time at the university, she co-authored a research paper titled Benzoylations in Ether Solution with her pharmacy instructor, Williams Dehn. This publication in the Journal of the American Chemical Society was a significant accomplishment for a woman, particularly an African American woman, in the early 20th century.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Ball received multiple scholarship offers. She chose to pursue a master’s degree in chemistry at the College of Hawaii (now the University of Hawaiʻi). Not only was she the first woman to receive a master’s degree from the university, but she was also the first African American to do so. Furthermore, Ball made history as the university’s first female and African American chemistry professor. Her pioneering role in academia paved the way for future generations of women and minorities in the field of chemistry.
During her time at the College of Hawaii, Ball focused her research on developing a treatment for leprosy, a devastating infectious disease that affects the skin and nerves. She developed the Ball Method, a groundbreaking injectable treatment using an oil extract from the chaulmoogra tree. This method proved to be the most effective treatment for leprosy at that time, providing relief and improved quality of life for countless patients.
Tragically, Alice Ball’s promising career was cut short when she passed away at the age of 24 on December 31, 1916. Although her contributions to science were significant, it took many years for her work to be fully recognized. It was not until the 1970s that her groundbreaking research and the Ball Method gained widespread recognition and appreciation.
Alice Ball’s legacy as a brilliant chemist and pioneer in the field of medicine cannot be overstated. Her determination, intellect, and passion for chemistry propelled her to overcome societal barriers and make lasting contributions to society. Alice Ball’s extraordinary achievements continue to inspire women and people of color in their pursuit of careers in science, making her a true icon in the history of women’s empowerment and scientific breakthroughs.