[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 20, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1095]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING DR. WILLIAM S. KNOWLES, NOBEL PRIZE WINNING PHYSICIAN FROM 
                         CHESTERFIELD, MISSOURI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. W. TODD AKIN

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 20, 2012

  Mr. AKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the late Dr. William 
S. Knowles.
  Dr. Knowles of Chesterfield, MO passed away on June 13 at the age of 
95, but not before contributing something of significant value to the 
world. In the 1960's Dr. Knowles began working as a chemist at Monsanto 
Co. in St. Louis. After years of research he and his colleagues were 
able to formulate a process that produces L-Dopa, a molecule that 
effectively limits the tremors associated with Parkinson's disease. For 
his successful efforts, in 2001 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 
chemistry for having helped open a completely new field of research.
  Though he is no longer with us today, Dr. Knowles' legacy lives on. 
With his discovery, the nearly 500,000 Americans who are afflicted with 
Parkinson's disease are now able to better treat their symptoms. They 
and their loved ones are able to live richer, fuller lives than was 
previously thought possible.
  Dr. William Knowles and his research represent the thoughtful 
innovation that Missouri has to offer the world. His ingenuity and 
dedication to his field, and the people he has helped, will long be 
remembered and recognized as an honorable service. It is without 
question that Dr. Knowles helped make this world a better place. I ask 
my colleagues to join me in recognition of his contributions.

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