ABSTRACT
The early history of vitamin E is further defined by the isolation of β-and γ-tocopherol (β-, γ-T) from vegetable oil in 1937,5 determination of the structure of α-T in 1938,6,7 synthesis of α-T in 1938,8 recognition of the antioxidant activity of the tocopherols,9 recognition that α-T was the most effective tocopherol in prevention of vitamin E deficiency,5 isolation of δ-tocopherol (δ-T) from soybean oil in 1947,10 and identification of the four naturally occurring tocotrienols (α-T3, β-T3, γ-T3, δ-T3).11,12 Many excellent reviews cover all aspects of vitamin E knowledge. Each review has many outstanding qualities; anyone interested in the early history of vitamin E should read the publication of the Symposium on Vitamin E and Metabolism in honor of Professor H. M. Evans.13
