Lyman C. Craig

Lyman C. Craig (born 1906 in Palmyra Township, Warren County, Iowa; died 1974) was a chemical researcher who worked at The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research from 1933 onward.^[1] In 1944 he published a seminal work on countercurrent distribution, which became an important separation technique.^[2] Craig continued to develop the theory, improve the apparatus and devise new applications of the countercurrent distribution into the 1970s.^[3] Countercurrent distribution not only proved to be a useful separation technique, it also inspired the development of the field of countercurrent chromatography.^[4] In 1950, Craig invented the rotary evaporator which is a necessary equipment in most chemical labs.^[5][6] He also invented the Craig tube, an apparatus used in small-scale chemistry, in particular for recrystallization.^[7] He received recognition from his peers and several honors for his scientific accomplishments. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1950.^[8] He was the recipient of the 1963 Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research.^[9] He also was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.^[10]