Lazar Edeleanu Gave us Amphetamines as Well as Refined Crude Oil

Lazar Edeleanu was a chemist from Romania who was of Jewish descent. He is renowned for developing the contemporary process of refining crude oil and for becoming the first chemist to synthesize amphetamine at the University of Berlin.

Lazar Edeleanu's name may not be as well-known in the annals of great innovations as some others, but the Romanian scientist has made a lasting impression on contemporary society in numerous ways. The unintentional discovery of amphetamines was maybe Edeleanu's greatest accomplishment. He was the first person to synthesis amphetamines, making him the father of meth, speed, and ADHD medications like Adderall.

However, Edeleanu had no desire to produce stimulants. He abandoned his research since he did not see any benefit from it, and it was not continued for many years. His main areas of interest were oil, and despite the lasting effects of his accidental discovery, he is also credited with developing the current process for refining crude oil.

Born: 1861

Died: 1941