Homer J. Hall American Institute of Chemists/New Jersey Section of the American Institute of Chemists Collection

Homer J. Hall Homer James Hall was born on December 12, 1911, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Marietta College in 1931 and received his Ph.D. from Ohio State University in 1935. Upon completion of his studies, he was employed by Standard Oil of New Jersey (ESSO). After retirement, he remained active in the field of information science. In addition to membership in the American Society of Information Science and Technology, he was active in the affairs of the American Chemical Society and the American Institute of Chemists (AIC). He held multiple roles in the AIC, including representative for the AIC on the council of American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). He was especially involved in the AIC’s New Jersey Section (NJIC) where he served as its president’s longtime secretary. Homer J. Hall died in Exeter, New Hampshire on April 26, 2008.

American Institute of Chemists (AIC) The American Institute of Chemists was founded in 1923 as an economic organization of chemists. Over time as other chemical industry trade associations took shape, the AIC concentrated its energies more on questions of ethics, professional conduct, and accreditation. Homer J. Hall served on the board of the AIC and was a member of its Executive Committee. Additionally, he served as AIC’s liaison to the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

New Jersey Section of the American Institute of Chemists (NJIC) The New Jersey Section of the American Institute of Chemists began as the New Jersey Chemical Society. As early as January 1921, the organization was weighing in on the value of creating an institute of chemistry to unite and promote the interests of teaching, production, and business chemists. NJIC has been an active member of the AIC since 1923. Homer J. Hall served the NJIC in various capacities including Secretary and member of the History Committee.

Sources

Homer J. Hall American Institute of Chemists/New Jersey Section of the American Institute of Chemists Collection, Science History Institute Archives, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“Homer James Hall.” Marquis Biographies Online. https://0-search-marquiswhoswho-com.othmerlib.sciencehistory.org/profile/100002397818.