CHARLES STEINMETZ

Charles Steinmetz, a hunchbacked immigrant, came to this country in 1899 as a young man handicapped by material, social, and physical shortcomings. But such was the nature of the young German immigrant, that within his life, he rose to one of the most prominent and celebrated positions which one man can achieve. A brilliant mathematician, he incorporated his insight into the field of practical engineering evolving revolutionary new means of manufacturing electrical equipment. His investigation of lightning--Steinmetz created artificial lightning--led to the use of lightning arresters on high power transmission lines, and of the more than two hundred patents which he held, many of his inventions are still in active use. Author of many works in the field of engineering, Steinmetz, despite his affiliation with such companies as General Electric, remained a devoted socialist throughout his life, advocating public ownership of utilities, and died at fifty-eight, the center of an adoring family and an admiring public. A full and informative biography of a man richly endowed with courage, talent, and ingenuity. Of particular interest to those readers who would follow a career of engineering.