Caltech Library News

The historian's laboratory: the Beckman legacy in the Caltech Archives

Beckman (right) and James McCullough in a Caltech chemistry lab, 1934.

In his roles as a Caltech chemistry professor, a pioneer in scientific instrumentation, and a philanthropist, Arnold Beckman contributed in many ways to our knowledge of the natural world. His impact is visible in buildings on campus and equipment in labs around the world. Historians are using his legacy to study how science shaped the 20th century.

Join the Caltech Archives for a panel discussion with a group of researchers working to understand Beckman's historical significance. The research team will share their experiences learning about Beckman's life in science and finding meaning in the photographs, private correspondence, and surprising objects preserved in Caltech's collections.

Panelists: Deanna Day, Joseph Klett, Roger Turner – Science History Institute. Moderator: Peter Collopy – Caltech Archives

This discussion will be followed by a reception from 5:00 to 6:00 on the Beckman Institute patio, and then by a screening of the Science History Institute's new film about Beckman, The Instrumental Chemist , from 6:00 to 7:30. More information about the panel discussion . Posted 4-2-2018