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School of Physical and Chemical Sciences

Alice Ball

Alice Ball was an African American scientist known for discovering the ‘Ball Method’, the most effective treatment for leprosy during the early 20th century.

Alice Ball was an African American scientist known for discovering the ‘Ball Method’. She extracted the ethyl esters from chaulmoogra oil and chemically modified them, making them water-soluble and therefore easily absorbed by the bloodstream. Initially, she wasn’t given any credit for her discovery as it was stolen and published by her colleague. However, she later earned the rightful credit and is now an inspirational woman to the younger generation.

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