AMERICAN
C Ο Ν TEM P O R A R I E S Frank Elliot Tultle
OME years ago, during a visit with Dr. S Tuttle, after telling me with pride of the achievements of some of his former
graduates, he took occasion to discuss the Qualifications of certain of the members of the graduating class. Mr. Brown had done unusually well in mathematics and physical chemistry and would go far in his profession. Mr. White was interested primarily in organic chemistry and his grades had been outstanding. Mr. Black's grades were only fair but he was the one who could be most highly recommended. Upon my question, "Why?", Dr. Tuttle said simply, "You know, the work of the world is not done by brilliant people." It may be that this is the thought that lay behind the patience of this professor of chemistry who, as head of the depart ment for more than 30 years, had the re sponsibility of the training of the students in chemistry at the University of Ken· tucky. Although he took great pride in the academic accomplishments of those who led the class, he never seemed dis couraged with the plodders. It should be emphasized, however, that he would never tolerate careless work or a seeming lack of serious purpose. His judgment of men is so well regarded that prospective employers, both aca demic and industrial, frequently have taken men into their service purely upon his recommendation and without having had a single interview. He was always extremely careful to place each man in a position suitable to his capacity. Franklin Elliott Tuttle came to Ken tucky State College (now the University of Kentucky) to take charge of the De partment of Chemistry in 1006. A native of Massachusetts, he was graduated from Amherst in 1889. Four years later he had received his doctorate at Gottingen. Upon his return to America he went to Pennsylvania State College and remained there until he resigned as professor in 1906. Although it seems probable his meticu lous regard for accuracy is due to his New England heritage, his appreciation of the importance of details is almost certainly a reflection of the German research tradition of the '90's. As a boy he had been inter ested in curious rock formations, and as a student he was fascinated by mineralogy and geology. Quite naturally, then, he specialized in crystallography and in analytical chemistry. Thirty years ago the railroads, steel mills, and the Federal Government were calling for chemists of good analytical training and, in his first years at Kentucky, Dr. Tuttle devoted his attention to help ing supply the need. In later years, when he had strengthened the course, although he took great pains to impress upon his students the importance of research, he made it very plain that one of the most valuable tools for a research man was a sound knowledge of analytical chemistry, together with the manual skill necessary to do good analytical work. This appreciation of the value of manual skill extends even beyond thefieldof chem istry. He justly takes pride in his own ability as a cabinetmaker, and always urged his students during vacation to learn something of the mechanics trades. As a student in Gdttingen he cultivated the friendship of the expert workman who supplied all the intricate glass apparatus, and under his tutelage he spent long hours
commemorating his services. When this undertaking was proposed by the com mittee, the suggestion was enthusiasti cally received by thealuunni. The plaque was emplaced beside t h e entrance to the Chemistry Building, Kastle Hall. Its in scription Outstanding Xeaeher DgAdv Inspiring J Keen Judge of Mon
is endorsed unanimously by his former students. M . M. HARRISON
H e r t y F o u n d a t i o n Laboratory HE Pulp and Paper Laboratory of the Industrial Committee of Savannah, Inc., became the "Herty Foundation Laboratory" under an act of the Georgia legislature. The change took place last in becoming proficient in the trade of glass February. Up to that time the labora blowing. As would be expected, he is tory had been supportée!financiallychiefly seldom at a loss for lack of any desired by the Chemical Foundation, Inc., and by piece of apparatus; he simply makes it. contributions of the Industrial Committee In these clays of modern synthetic meth of Savannah, supplemented b y appro» ods, it seems strange that anyone could priations of the Georgia legislature. ever have doubted the importance of crude At the close of 1937 it became evident oil and gas as chemical raw materials, yet I that the major part of these funds would must admit that Dr. Tuttle's advice to not be available in future and that in the the graduating class in 19121 hat the future event that other support was not secured of organic research in America lay in the laboratory faced possible closure. crude oil rather than coal tar was accepted However, an emergency fund was raised with considerable mental reservation. In by equipment manufacturera the those days his graduate students were leadership of C. Stewart Lee of under the Pusey working on methods of separation and and Jones Corp. of Wilmington, Del. the identification of various constituents Following this action, the Georgia legisof different types of crude oil. lature made an appropriation of $20,000 It is fortunate for the University of at its special session, this being i n addition Kentucky that, after his retirement in 1934 to the $10,000 appropriated in the preas head of the department, he was willing ceding regular session. These funds» with to continue as professor emeritus. In this the continued contribution by the Incapacity he now spends his days in his dustrial Committee of Savannah, ensured laboratory at Kastle Hall carrying on some the financing of the laboratory for the investigations on terpenes, a field in which current year. he has long been interested, or in his office The Georgia legislature, looking to the where he is readily accessible to the student future, created by special act the Herty who comes to ask advice. Whether the Foundation, authorized to take over the uestion is on some present personal dif- equipment and operation of the laboratory culty or upon his future career, the stu and to receive contributions from other dent always finds a quiet, sympathetic lis states and subdivisions thereof, inditener and always receives wise and experi viduals and corporations. The board of enced counsel. trustees of the foundation is made up as As an example of his graciousness, it is follows: Jas. Fowler, chairman: G. M. recalled by the wife of one of his former Bazemore, vice chairman; Elliott W. students that nearly 20 years ago when, as Reed, secretary-treasurer; Harley Langa young bride, she accompanied her hus dale; and G. E. Maddox. band on a visit to Dr. Tuttle in his labora It was determined t o continue the past tory, this kindly man made for her as a policies and purposes of the laboratory, memento a miniature glass cup and saucer. making the information developed availThe years have marked Dr. Tuttle able to all and to cooperate with all agenlightly. Although 74 years old in June, cies engaged in this field of work centered he appears to be much younger. The on systematic research to determine, with lighter duties since his retirement seem to the use of standard paper mill equipment be welcome, although his interest is still and chemicals, what modifications are bound up with the affairs of the depart necessary to employ the) fast growing ment. He still spends much of his spare woods of the southern states for puTpwood time working with hisflowers,floriculture and products manufactured therefrom. being probably his favorite avocation. At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of As recorded in-the NEWS EDITION [16, Herty Foundation on August 6, at 333 (June 10, 1938)), on June 2, 1938, the the Lakeland, Fla., it was voted to carry out former students of Dr. Tuttle presented to the work the laboratory according to the university a bronze portrait plaque the plane of and intentions of the late Dr. Herty. Supervision of the foundation business will be in the hands of the chairman of the Board o f Trustees and the secretary-treasurer. Charles Carpenter, assistant director of the laboratory since January, 1038, will continue in charge of the experimental operations.
T
S
479
