James Batcheller Sumner

James Batcheller Sumner was born on November 19, 1887, in Canton, Massachusetts, USA. He grew up on a farm and developed an early interest in science and nature, which would later inspire his groundbreaking work in biochemistry. His early education took place in the Canton High School, where he showed an inclination towards scientific studies.

In 1910, James Sumner graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry. During his time at Harvard, Sumner acquired foundational knowledge in chemistry and biochemistry that set the stage for his future research. His experiences as a student at Harvard University played a significant role in shaping his scientific career.

In 1926, James B. Sumner became the first scientist to successfully crystallize an enzyme, urease, thereby proving that enzymes are proteins. This landmark achievement challenged the prevailing skepticism about the chemical nature of enzymes. Sumner's experiment involved using acetone to precipitate the enzyme from jack bean meal, leading to crystals that he demonstrated were catalytically active, a pivotal moment in biochemistry.

In 1937, James B. Sumner was appointed as a full professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Cornell University. After years of struggle to convince the scientific community of his crystallization results, his promotion at Cornell reflected the growing acknowledgment of his pioneering work in enzyme chemistry. His role at Cornell provided him with a platform to continue his influential research and mentorship.

James Batcheller Sumner was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry on October 10, 1946, for his research on enzymes, particularly for his discovery that enzymes can be crystallized. He shared the prize with John Howard Northrop and Wendell Meredith Stanley. Sumner's contribution was fundamentally pivotal in establishing that enzymes are proteins, leading to a greater understanding of biochemical processes.

James B. Sumner retired from his position at Cornell University in 1955, after a long and distinguished career in biochemistry. During his tenure at Cornell, Sumner made several significant contributions to enzyme research. His decision to retire marked the end of an era of active research and teaching, though he continued to influence the field through his prior works and publications.

In 1955, shortly after his retirement, James B. Sumner published 'The Chemistry of Enzyme Actions'. This work consolidated his extensive research on enzymes and offered valuable insights into biochemical theory and practice. The book became an influential text in the field of biochemistry, providing a detailed account of enzyme chemistry and Sumner's own contributions.

In 1955, the Sumner Arthritis Fund was established in honor of James B. Sumner. The fund was created to support research into arthritis, a condition that Sumner himself had experienced. It aimed to spur innovations and treatments that could alleviate the suffering associated with arthritis and demonstrated Sumner's commitment to using scientific research for public good.

James Batcheller Sumner, the renowned American chemist and Nobel laureate, passed away on August 12, 1966, due to cancer. Sumner's death marked the end of a highly influential life, during which he revolutionized the scientific understanding of enzymes. His groundbreaking work is remembered for challenging traditional views and laying the foundation for modern enzymology.

In 1980, in honor of his contributions to science and the field of biochemistry, Cornell University posthumously granted James B. Sumner the title of Sumner Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry. This gesture recognized his lasting impact on the institution and the scientific community at large, celebrating his pioneering work in proving that enzymes are proteins.