Here are some key points about his life and achievements:
* Early Life and Education: Born in 1867, Herty earned his PhD in chemistry from the University of Leipzig, Germany.
* Early Career: Herty began his career as a professor of chemistry at the University of Texas. He then moved to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he established the first chemistry department.
* Naval Stores Research: His most significant contribution was his work on naval stores. These are products obtained from pine trees, such as turpentine, rosin, and pine oil. During World War I, Germany's control over naval stores posed a significant threat to the United States. Herty recognized the importance of developing a domestic source for these materials and dedicated his efforts to finding a solution.
* The Herty Process: Herty developed a process for extracting turpentine and rosin from pine stumps, which were previously considered waste products. This "Herty Process" revolutionized the naval stores industry and made the US self-sufficient in these crucial materials.
* Legacy and Honors: Herty's work had a lasting impact on the Southern economy. He was recognized for his contributions with the American Chemical Society's Priestley Medal in 1935. He also received the Franklin Medal in 1938. The Charles H. Herty Foundation was established in his honor, continuing to promote research and education in forestry and chemistry.
In summary, Charles H. Herty was a pioneering chemist who played a crucial role in developing the American chemical industry and making the US self-sufficient in naval stores, a vital resource during wartime. He left behind a legacy that continues to benefit the South's forestry and chemical industries.