The AOCS smalley program

This program is named for Frank N. Smalley, a charter member of AOCS. In 1909, he was chief chemist for the Southern Cotton Oil Company, the same year in which AOCS was formed. Smalley checked the proficiency of his firm’s laboratories by distributing weekly meal samples that had been prepared in his Savannah laboratory. Other analytical chemists saw the value of such a program and asked to participate. In 1915, the Uniform Methods Committee, under Dr. Smalley, adopted this program. In 1955, the name was formally shortened to the Smalley Committee. It continues to function largely with the aid of volunteer help. AOCS is greatly indebted to the people and industries who give of their time and talents. In 1981, an ad-hoc committee reviewed the Smalley Committee and each of the series involved and declared the program was functioning well and carrying out its intended purpose.