Donald Dexter Van Slyke (1883-1971): an Oral Biography (History) (Interview‪)‬

At the start of the 20th century, clinical chemistry emerged into its own space on the mosaic of medical practice. The pattern of its future growth and development took shape during the first two decades of the new century. Before that time, the United States had played no role in the growth or development of clinical chemistry, but at the turn of the century important work began in the US. One of the names that dominated this period was that of Donald Dexter Van Slyke. His systematic explorations on blood and urine led to practical and clinically applicable methods of analysis based on a new approach to methodology: analysis of small volumes of biological fluids. Using colorimetric and gasometric techniques, his work influenced the practice of medicine and played a major role in guiding the direction of clinical chemistry for the remainder of the century.