HEIDELBERGER, MICHAEL

HEIDELBERGER, MICHAEL (1888–1991), U.S. biochemist and immunologist. Born in New York, he completed his undergraduate and graduate education at Columbia University. After earning his Ph.D. in chemistry in 1911, he joined the faculty of the Rockefeller Institute, where he worked from 1912 to 1927. In 1928 he joined the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, where he became first professor of immunochemistry. After his retirement in 1955 he was visiting   professor at Rutgers University until 1964, and subsequently adjunct professor of pathology at New York University. Heidelberger's research dealt with immunological reactions and a wide range of subjects in bio- and organic chemistry. His publications included Advanced Laboratory Manual of Organic Chemistry (1923) and Lectures in Immunochemistry (1956). Heidelberger was president of the American Association of Immunologists and of the Harvey Society. Heidlelberger was also a strong supporter of human rights. He won numerous honors throughout his life, including two Lasker awards in 1953 and 1978, for his work in the development of methods for the quantitative analysis of antibodies. (Samuel Aaron Miller / Bracha Rager (2nd ed.)