Wiley, Harvey Washington

Wiley, Harvey Washington,

1844–1930, American chemist, b. Kent, Ind., grad. Hanover College (B.A., 1867), M.D. Indiana Medical College, 1871. After serving (1874–83) as state chemist of Indiana, he was chief chemist of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (1883–1912) and professor of agricultural chemistry at George Washington Univ. (1899–1914). A prominent figure in the fight against food adulteration, he was largely responsible for the passage and administration of the Food and Drug Act of 1906. His writings include works on agricultural chemistry and food adulteration.

Wiley, Harvey Washington

(1844–1930) chemist, food reformer, government official, author; born in Kent, Ind. A log-schoolhouse graduate, he became a chemistry professor at Purdue University (1874–83). As chief chemist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (1883–1912), he campaigned against then widespread food adulteration, championing passage and enforcement of the Pure Food and Drug Act (1906). He also taught agricultural chemistry at George Washington University (1899–1914). He lectured widely and wrote several books, including Foods and Their Adulteration (1907) and Not by Bread Alone (1915).