Origins & Early Life

Walter Cox McCrone Jr. (June 9, 1916 – July 10, 2002) was an American chemist who worked extensively on applications of polarized light microscopy and is sometimes characterized as the "father of modern microscopy". He was also an expert in electron microscopy, crystallography, ultra-microanalysis, and particle identification. In 1960 he founded the McCrone Research Institute, a non-profit educational and research organization for microscopy based in Chicago.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

McCrone's crystallographic work on polymorphism and its pharmaceutical applications played a central role in the subsequent development of the field. To the general public, McCrone was best known for his work in forensic science, especially his analyses of the Vinland Map and the Shroud of Turin. In 2000, he received the American Chemical Society's National Award in Analytical Chemistry. Walter McCrone was born in Wilmington, Delaware, but he grew up mostly in New York State. His father was a civil engineer in charge of one of the first DuPont plants to manufacture cellophane.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

McCrone received a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Cornell University in 1938 and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the same institution...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexander Prokhorov — Contemporary (Born in 1916) (1916): Soviet physicist renowned for foundational work in quantum electronics and laser development.
• Bernard Heuvelmans — Contemporary (Born in 1916) (1916): Belgian-French researcher, explorer, and key figure in early cryptozoology.
• Bernard Lewis — Contemporary (Born in 1916) (1916): Influential historian of Near Eastern Studies, specializing in the history of Islam.
• Abba Eban — Contemporary (Died in 2002) (2002): Israeli diplomat, politician, and scholar of Arabic and Hebrew languages.
• Astrid Lindgren — Contemporary (Died in 2002) (2002): Iconic Swedish children's author, celebrated for imaginative tales and advocacy.
• Benjamin O. Davis Jr. — Contemporary (Died in 2002) (2002): Pioneering USAF General and Commander of the WWII Tuskegee Airmen.
• Aaron Sorkin — Shared historical date (06-09 · Born) (1961): Master of fast-paced dialogue, known for 'walk and talk' storytelling.
• Ambrogio Lorenzetti — Shared historical date (06-09 · Died) (1348): Master painter of the Sienese school, known for allegorical and naturalistic works.
• Adande Thorne — Shared historical date (07-10 · Born) (1980): Trinidadian-American YouTuber, animator, comedian, and actor known as Swoozie.
• Albert Pierrepoint — Shared historical date (07-10 · Died) (1992): Prominent English hangman who executed hundreds of people in a 25-year career.
• 1916 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1916
• June 9 (06-09) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 9
• 2002 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2002
• July 10 (07-10) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 10