Carroll Milton Williams

Background

Williams, Carroll Milton was born on December 2, 1916 in Richmond, Virginia, United States. Son of George Leslie and Jessie Ann (Hendricks) Williams.

Education

Bachelor of Science, University Richmond, 1937. Honorary Doctor of Science, University Richmond, 1960. A.M., Harvard University, 1938.

Doctor of Philosophy, Harvard University, 1941. Doctor of Medicine summa cum laude, Harvard University, 1946.

Career

He performed groundbreaking surgical experiments on larvae and pupae, and developed multiple new techniques, including the use of carbon dioxide as an anesthetic. His impact on entomology has been compared to that of Vincent Wigglesworth. Williams was the first to isolate juvenile hormone and ecdysone, and discovered cocoonase and cytochrome b5, as well as the "paper factor".

He subsequently proposed that hormonal analogues could be used as pesticides by disrupting the developmental cycles of insects.

Williams was the chairman of the biology department at Harvard University from 1959 to 1962, and the Benjamin Bussey Professor of Biology from 1966 until his retirement in 1987.

Achievements

• Carroll Milton Williams has been listed as a noteworthy Biology educator by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Trustee Radcliffe College, Boston Museum of Science, 1989-1991. Fellow American Association for the Advancement of Science (council 1952-1954), American Academy Arts and Sciences (council 1954-1957, 73-77), Entomological Society of America. Member National Academy of Sciences (chairman section zoology 1970-1973, council 1973-1976, 85-88, chairman biological science 1982-1985), Institute Medicine, American Philosophical Society, Society Development Biology, Harvey Society, Lepidopterists Society, Sigmet Society, Cambridge Entomological Club, Cambridge Science Club (president 1987-1991), Examiner Club (vice president 1986-1991), Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi.

Connections

Married Muriel Anne Voter, June 26, 1941. Children: John Leslie (deceased), Wesley Conant, Peter Glenn (deceased), Roger Lee.

Father:

George Leslie Williams

Mother:

Jessie Ann (Hendricks) Williams

Spouse:

Muriel Anne Voter

child:

Wesley Conant Williams

child:

John Leslie Williams (deceased)

child:

Peter Glenn Williams (deceased)

child:

Roger Lee Williams