The fundamental patent for the synthetic polymer's formula and creation process for Nylon was issued on February 16, 1937, to E.I. DuPont. The principal Inventor credited was Wallace Hume Carothers, chemist and the leader of organic chemistry at DuPont.
The invention of Nylon, the first truly synthetic fiber, revolutionized the materials industry, creating new possibilities in plastics and textiles as it replaced natural fibers like silk leading to widespread use in textiles and consumer goods, as well as parachutes during WWII.
Just slightly over two months after the patent was issued, Dr. Carothers committed suicide on April 29, 1937. He suffered from Chronic Depression.
