In 1938, the Priestley Medal was awarded to Marston T. Bogert by the American Chemical Society “to recognize distinguished services to chemistry,” the Society’s most prestigious award.  Bogert’s research included work on synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and perfumes.

While he remained firm in his attachment to synthetic organic chemistry, his students did not follow in his area of research. Each was self-taught in a related field. They included a pioneer in analytical chemistry; an initiator of advances in physical organic chemistry and biological chemistry; one became one of the world’s great microbiologists; a founder of one of the nation’s leading chemical consulting firms.