Alice A. Ball

Alice A. Ball was an American chemist best known for her pioneering work in the field of medicinal chemistry. She is particularly recognized for developing the "Ball Method," which was the first effective treatment for leprosy using chaulmoogra oil. Her notable work, "The Chemical Constituents of Piper Methysticum / Or, The Chemical Constituents of the Active Principle of the Ava Root," reflects her contributions to understanding the chemical properties of natural substances. Ball's research laid the groundwork for future advancements in pharmacology and highlighted the importance of natural products in medicine.