THE WORLD WAS HIS LABORATORY: The story of Dr. Willis R. Whitney

by Virginia Veeder Westervelt ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 21, 1964

Willis R. Whitney is known chiefly for his work as the director of the first General Electric research laboratory, a model for other laboratories. Readers with a scientific inclination will be interested in whitney's pioneering efforts in establishing the importance of the industrial laboratory and in encouraging scientists to experiment freely outside of the academic world. His contacts with some of the leading scientists of the last century--Steinmetz, Langmuir, Marie Curie, his early discoveries about corrosion, are also noteworthy factors in his story. Unfortunately, however, his scientific and administrative contributions have been overshadowed by the lengthy descriptions of his personal life. Young Willis' boyhood interests, his school and college activities his family life are old in endless and glowing detail and improved upon in numerous hypothetical conversations with his parents, friends, wife, daughter, and associates. Those who read this biography will probably have little prior knowledge about whitney, and it is unlikely that this unbalanced handling of his life will foster a greater interest in his work.

Pub Date: Sept. 21, 1964

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Messner

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1964

Categories: NONFICTION