Wilbur Lincoln Scoville was born on January 22, 1865, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was the son of a farmer and grew up in a modest household. From a young age, Wilbur showed a keen interest in science and medicine, spending hours reading books on the subject.
After completing his education, Wilbur pursued a career in pharmacy, eventually landing a job at the Parke-Davis pharmaceutical company in 1912. It was here that he would make his mark on the world of spice and flavor.
While working at Parke-Davis, Wilbur set out to devise a method for measuring the spiciness of chili peppers. This would lead to the creation of the Scoville Organoleptic Test, a scale that measures the heat of peppers based on the amount of capsaicin present.
Wilbur's test revolutionized the field of spice measurement, providing a standardized way to quantify the heat levels of chili peppers. The Scoville scale is now used worldwide by chefs, food manufacturers, and hot sauce enthusiasts.
Wilbur married his wife, Cora B. Upham, and together they had two daughters, Amy Augusta and Ruth Upham. Despite his busy career and scientific pursuits, Wilbur always made time for his family, instilling in his children a love of learning and exploration.
Outside of his work, Wilbur was known for his love of nature and gardening. He often spent weekends tending to his vegetable garden and cultivating exotic plants from around the world.
In addition to his scientific endeavors, Wilbur was also an avid collector of rare spices and herbs. His personal collection included samples from every corner of the globe, showcasing the incredible diversity of flavors that nature has to offer.
Wilbur Scoville's work continues to influence the world of culinary arts and pharmaceuticals to this day. His innovative methods for measuring spice levels have paved the way for new discoveries and advancements in both fields.
Google honored Wilbur on his 151st birthday with a doodle on their homepage, recognizing his contributions to science and the culinary world. His legacy lives on through the Scoville scale, a testament to his passion for understanding and quantifying the heat of chili peppers.
Wilbur Scoville passed away on March 10, 1942, leaving behind a lasting legacy of scientific discovery and innovation. His impact on the world of spice and flavor will be felt for generations to come.
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