Origins & Early Life

Marguerite Davis (September 16, 1887 – September 19, 1967) was an American biochemist, co-discoverer of vitamins A and B with Elmer Verner McCollum in 1913. Their research greatly influenced later research on nutrition. Davis was born on September 16, 1887, in Racine, Wisconsin, to John Jefferson Davis, a local physician and botanist, who taught at the University of Wisconsin. In his 1964 autobiography, Elmer Verner McCollum says that Davis was physically handicapped by severe burns that she received at age ten while playing at a bonfire when her clothing caught fire.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Davis' background and scientific interests led her to enroll at the University of Wisconsin in 1906. In 1908, she transferred to the University of California at Berkeley and received her bachelor of science degree in home economics in 1910. After graduation, Davis returned to the University of Wisconsin where she completed some graduate work, but did not complete a master's degree. At the University of Wisconsin, Davis began her work as a research assistant with McCollum. Davis worked as an assistant for McCollum, caring for a large rat colony and helping...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexander Archipenko — Contemporary (Born in 1887) (1887): Ukrainian-American avant-garde sculptor, pioneer of Cubist human figures.
• Alexander Borodin — Contemporary (Died in 1887) (1887): Russian Romantic composer, chemist, and physician known for 'Prince Igor' and symphonies.
• Alvin Hansen — Contemporary (Born in 1887) (1887): Influential American economist, known as "the American Keynes" for popularizing Keynesian theory.
• Akshay Kumar — Contemporary (Born in 1967) (1967): Veteran Indian actor and producer, celebrated for action roles and prolific career.
• Albert Luthuli — Contemporary (Died in 1967) (1967): Pioneering anti-apartheid activist and leader of the ANC in South Africa.
• Aleksandr Karelin — Contemporary (Born in 1967) (1967): Dominant Greco-Roman wrestler, nicknamed the "Russian Bear", celebrated for unmatched Olympic success.
• Albert Szent-Györgyi — Shared historical date (09-16 · Born) (1893): Pioneering Hungarian biochemist, Nobel laureate for Vitamin C and muscle research.
• Aleksandr Medved — Shared historical date (09-16 · Born) (1937): Legendary Soviet/Belarussian freestyle wrestler, celebrated for Olympic dominance.
• Adam West — Shared historical date (09-19 · Born) (1928): American actor best known for portraying Batman in the 1960s and extensive voice work.
• Al Oerter — Shared historical date (09-19 · Born) (1936): Four-time Olympic champion in the discus throw, pioneering athletic consistency.
• 1887 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1887
• September 16 (09-16) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 16
• 1967 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1967
• September 19 (09-19) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on September 19