There is a relationship between Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Soybeans, and Flame Retardants.

Warm Temperatures Or Drought During Seed Maturation Increase Alpha Tocopherol in Seeds of Soybean (Glycine Max [L.] MERR.)
Source:  http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?seq_no_115=129866&pf=1

Later, the Times notes that Julian, who died in 1975 and whose name graces DePauw's science and mathematics center, "was innovative for his time. He often made use of natural ingredients such as soybean products He even was responsible for developing a fire retardant now used in fire extinguishers.
Source:  http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=376706446296296