Origins & Early Life

Hermann Joseph Muller (December 21, 1890 – April 5, 1967) was an American geneticist who was awarded the 1946 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine "for the discovery of the production of mutations by means of X-ray irradiation". Muller warned of long-term dangers of radioactive fallout from nuclear war and nuclear testing, which resulted in greater public scrutiny of these practices. Muller was born in New York City, the son of Frances (Lyons) and Hermann Joseph Muller Sr., an artisan who worked with metals. Muller was a third-generation American whose father's ancestors were originally Catholic and came to the United States from Koblenz.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His mother's family was of mixed Jewish (descended from Spanish and Portuguese Jews) and Anglican background, and had come from Britain. Among his first cousins was Alfred Kroeber (father of Ursula Le Guin) and first cousins once removed was Herbert J. Muller. As an adolescent, Muller attended a Unitarian church and considered himself a pantheist; in high school, he became an atheist. He excelled in the public schools.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

At 16, he entered Columbia College. From his first semester, he was interested in biology; he became an early convert...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Agatha Christie — Contemporary (Born in 1890) (1890): The 'Queen of Crime,' a master of the mystery genre, best-selling author of all time.
• Aimee Semple McPherson — Contemporary (Born in 1890) (1890): Pioneering Pentecostal evangelist, famous for founding the Foursquare Church.
• Allan Nevins — Contemporary (Born in 1890) (1890): Pioneering American historian known for Civil War studies and business history.
• Akshay Kumar — Contemporary (Born in 1967) (1967): Veteran Indian actor and producer known for action roles and prolific career.
• Aleksandr Karelin — Contemporary (Born in 1967) (1967): Dominant Greco-Roman wrestler, nicknamed the "Russian Bear", celebrated for unmatched Olympic success.
• Arthur Tedder, 1st Baron Tedder — Contemporary (Died in 1967) (1967): Pioneering RAF officer, instrumental in WWII Mediterranean and North African campaigns.
• Benjamin Disraeli — Shared historical date (12-21 · Born) (1804): British statesman and Conservative leader, known for defining the modern Conservative Party.
• Betty Wright — Shared historical date (12-21 · Born) (1953): Iconic American soul and R&B singer known for her powerful vocal style.
• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller — Shared historical date (04-05 · Died) (1948): American socialite and influential philanthropist, key patron of modern art.
• Akira Toriyama — Shared historical date (04-05 · Born) (1955): Pioneering manga artist, creator of Dr. Slump and the global phenomenon, Dragon Ball.
• 1890 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1890
• December 21 (12-21) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 21
• 1967 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1967
• April 5 (04-05) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 5