# Paul Hermann Müller

> Swiss chemist (1899-1965)

**Wikidata**: [Q115475](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115475)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Hermann_Müller)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paul-hermann-muller

## Summary
Paul Hermann Müller was a Swiss chemist best known for his discovery of the insecticidal properties of DDT, a breakthrough that earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1948. His work revolutionized pest control and had significant public health implications, particularly in combating malaria.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 12, 1899
- **Nationality**: Swiss
- **Education**: University of Basel
- **Known for**: Discovery of DDT as an insecticide
- **Employer(s)**: Affiliated with the University of Basel
- **Field(s)**: Chemistry

## Contributions
Paul Hermann Müller's most notable contribution was the discovery of the insecticidal properties of DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) in 1939. This discovery was pivotal in the fight against insect-borne diseases, particularly malaria, and had a profound impact on public health worldwide. His work led to the widespread use of DDT in agriculture and disease control, significantly reducing the incidence of malaria and other insect-borne illnesses.

## FAQs
**What is Paul Hermann Müller best known for?**
Paul Hermann Müller is best known for his discovery of the insecticidal properties of DDT, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1948.

**Where did Paul Hermann Müller study?**
Paul Hermann Müller studied at the University of Basel, a public university in Basel, Switzerland.

**What award did Paul Hermann Müller receive?**
Paul Hermann Müller received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1948 for his discovery of DDT as an insecticide.

**What was the impact of Paul Hermann Müller's discovery?**
The discovery of DDT as an insecticide had a significant impact on public health, particularly in the fight against malaria and other insect-borne diseases. It revolutionized pest control and had widespread applications in agriculture and disease prevention.

## Why They Matter
Paul Hermann Müller's discovery of DDT as an insecticide was a groundbreaking achievement that had a profound impact on public health. His work helped to control the spread of insect-borne diseases, particularly malaria, saving countless lives and improving the quality of life for millions of people. The widespread use of DDT in agriculture also contributed to increased food production and economic development.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine**: Awarded in 1948 for the discovery of DDT as an insecticide.
- **Discovery of DDT**: Revolutionized pest control and had significant public health implications.
- **Affiliation with the University of Basel**: Studied and worked at this prestigious institution.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Paul Hermann Müller was born on January 12, 1899. He pursued his education at the University of Basel, where he studied chemistry. The University of Basel, founded in 1460, is one of the oldest universities in Switzerland and has a strong reputation in the field of chemistry.

### Career and Discoveries
Müller's most significant contribution came in 1939 when he discovered the insecticidal properties of DDT. This discovery was a major breakthrough in the field of pest control and had far-reaching implications for public health. DDT was found to be highly effective in controlling insects that spread diseases such as malaria, typhus, and yellow fever.

### Impact on Public Health
The discovery of DDT as an insecticide had a profound impact on public health. It was widely used to control the spread of insect-borne diseases, particularly malaria, which was a major health concern in many parts of the world. The use of DDT in disease control programs significantly reduced the incidence of malaria and other insect-borne illnesses, saving countless lives.

### Recognition and Awards
In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Paul Hermann Müller was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1948. This prestigious award highlighted the significance of his discovery and its impact on public health.

### Legacy
Paul Hermann Müller's discovery of DDT as an insecticide revolutionized pest control and had a lasting impact on public health. His work not only helped to control the spread of insect-borne diseases but also contributed to increased food production and economic development through its use in agriculture. Müller's legacy continues to be recognized in the field of chemistry and public health.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. [Paul Hermann Müller. rediff.com](http://pages.rediff.com/paul-hermann-m----ller/751490)
3. [Paul Muller](https://www.malariasite.com/muller/)
4. [Paul Müller. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1948/muller/facts/)
5. [Toxipedia](http://www.toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Paul+Hermann+Muller)
6. [Malaria Chemotherapy and the “Kaleidoscopic” Organisation of Biomedical Research during World War II](http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Leo_Slater/publication/8232726_Malaria_chemotherapy_and_the_kaleidoscopic_organisation_of_biomedical_research_during_world_war_II/links/5449071b0cf244fe9ea20fd2.pdf)
7. [Wary of the Dangers of Insecticides, Scientists Have Developed Techniques For Killing the Ultimate Urban Pest In Safer, Ecologically Sensitive Ways. 1994](https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/24/nyregion/wary-dangers-insecticides-scientists-have-developed-techniques-for-killing.html)
8. Organohalogen compound. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. [Humanities in Engineering Education](http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/03043799708923468)
10. Find a Grave
11. [The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1948. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1948/summary/)
12. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf)
13. International Standard Name Identifier
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. MusicBrainz
16. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
17. SNAC
18. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
19. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
20. Croatian Encyclopedia
21. Munzinger Personen
22. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
23. Historical Dictionary of Switzerland
24. nobelprize.org
25. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)
26. LIBRIS. 2018