John Jacob Abel: The Fifth Horseman

Table 1

Chronology and Summary of Abel’s Research Contributions

Year	Topic	Contribution to pharmacology
1894	ethyl sulfide, calcium carbamate	isolation of simple organic substances from natural sources
1895	thyroid gland	extraction and isolation of active substances
1895 – 1905	epinephrine	isolation of a physiologically active monobenzoyl derivative from adrenal gland
1896	melanins	chemical composition
1907	frog muscle	physiological action of ions across muscle membrane
1907 – 1908	hemolysin, Amanita phalloides	isolation of mushroom poisons and production of antisera
1909	phthaleins	purgative action, absorption, and excretion of phthalein derivatives
1909 – 1911	organic arsenicals, antimony	chemotherapeutic action and treatment of experimental trypanosomiasis
1910	acid fuchsin	mechanism of action of tetanic convulsions
1912	parotid gland, Bufo aqua	isolation of epinephrine
1912 – 1913	artificial kidney	first demonstration of amino acids in the blood; isolated 3 amino acids
1914	plasmapheresis	removal of plasma and retransfusion of packed red blood cells into the donor
1917	albumoses (protein fractions)	isolation of physiologically active substances (proteins) from tissues and blood
1917 – 1931	posterior pituitary hormones	investigation of an active, single substance in posterior pituitary
1924	Witte’s peptone	separation and pharmacological actions of active substances
1924 – 1927	insulin	purification and first crystallization of insulin
1932 – 1938	tetanus toxin	demonstrated dual action of tetanus toxin and distribution by the vascular and lymphatic systems