J. Gordon Edwards was an American entomologist and proponent of the use and safety of the pesticide DDT. He was professor of entomology at San Jose State University for 40 years, and namesake to the university's entomology museum. He was an outspoken critic of Rachel Carson and efforts to ban DDT, famously eating the substance to demonstrate its safety to humans. He was also a noted mountain climber, spending nine seasons as a ranger-naturalist in Glacier National Park during the 1940s and '50s, and returning often to collect insects and map routes. His 1961 book A Climber's Guide to Glacier National Park, republished several times since, made him known as the "patron saint of climbing" in the park, where he died while hiking, aged 84.
J. Gordon Edwards, American entomologist, mountaineer, and DDT advocate (died 2004)
On August 24, in the year 1919, J. Gordon Edwards, American entomologist, mountaineer, and DDT advocate (died 2004). This event is recorded as a Notable Births event in the history of August 24, one of 415 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including J. Gordon Edwards (entomologist). Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on August 24, 1919 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Births event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 4 February 2026.
On This Date in History 415
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