Joseph McLain | |
|---|---|
 Joseph McLain in 1951 | |
| Academic background | |
| Alma mater | Johns Hopkins University |
| Academic work | |
| Discipline | Chemistry |
| Sub-discipline | Pyrotechnics |
| Institutions | Washington College |
| President of Washington College | |
| In office 1973–1981 | |
| Preceded by | Charles J. Merdinger |
| Succeeded by | Garry E. Clarke |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 11, 1916 Weirton, West Virginia, US |
| Died | July 26, 1981 (aged 65) Baltimore, Maryland, US |
| Spouse | Margret Anne Hollingsworth McLain |
| Children | 2 |
Joseph Howard McLain (July 11, 1916 – July 26, 1981) was an American chemist. He was a professor at Washington College and became college president. He is best known for his expertise in solid state chemistry and pyrotechnics. He held 30 patents, including for smoke grenades, underwater torches, and flares.[1]