Zoecon

<p>In 1985, Djerassi said "I feel like I'd like to lead one more life. I'd like to leave a cultural imprint on society rather than just a technological benefit."<sup id="cite_ref-Reinhardt2015_12-2" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Djerassi#cite_note-Reinhardt2015-12">[12]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-CHFOralHistory_5-8" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Djerassi#cite_note-CHFOralHistory-5">[5]</a></sup> He went on to write several novels in the "science-in-fiction" genre, including <i>Cantor's Dilemma</i>,<sup id="cite_ref-dilemma_13-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Djerassi#cite_note-dilemma-13">[13]</a></sup> in which he explored the ethics of modern scientific research through his protagonist, Dr. Cantor. He also wrote four autobiographies, the most recent of which, <i>In Retrospect</i> appeared in 2014.<sup id="cite_ref-Reinhardt2015_12-3" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Djerassi#cite_note-Reinhardt2015-12">[12]</a></sup> He wrote a number of plays which have been performed and extensively translated.<sup id="cite_ref-Guardian2014_14-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Djerassi#cite_note-Guardian2014-14">[14]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-SFGate_15-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Djerassi#cite_note-SFGate-15">[15]</a></sup> His book <i>Chemistry in Theatre: Insufficiency, Phallacy or Both</i> discusses the potential pedagogic value of using dialogic style and the plot structure of plays with special focus on chemistry.<sup id="cite_ref-Sterken_16-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Djerassi#cite_note-Sterken-16">[16]</a></sup>

In 1968, he started a new company, Zoecon,<sup id="cite_ref-CHFOralHistory_5-9" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Djerassi#cite_note-CHFOralHistory-5">[5]</a></sup> which focused on environmentally soft methods of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pest_control" title="Pest control">pest control</a>, using modified insect growth hormones to stop insects from metamorphosing from the larval stage to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pupa" title="Pupa">pupal</a> and adult stages.<sup id="cite_ref-Roaches_17-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Djerassi#cite_note-Roaches-17">[17]</a></sup> Zoecon was eventually acquired by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occidental_Petroleum" title="Occidental Petroleum">Occidental Petroleum</a>, which later sold it to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandoz" title="Sandoz" class="mw-redirect">Sandoz</a>, now <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novartis" title="Novartis">Novartis</a>. Part of Zoecon survives in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas" title="Dallas">Dallas</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas" title="Texas">Texas</a>, making products to control <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flea" title="Flea">fleas</a> and other pests.</p>