Rolla Neil Harger

Rolla Neil Harger (January 14, 1890 – August 8, 1983) was an American biochemist. He invented an early breathalyzer, called the Drunkometer, to test for driving under the influence in 1931; he was awarded the patent in 1936. He was biochemistry and pharmacology department chairman of the Indiana University School of Medicine from 1933 to 1956 and worked as a professor in the department of biochemistry and toxicology from 1922 to 1960.

In 1931, he invented the Drunkometer to test for driving under the influence. In 1938, he was one of the five people chosen to be on the subcommittee of the National Safety Council that drafted the model legislation that set the blood alcohol content for driving under the influence.

Dr. Harger died on August 8, 1983, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery.