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I S D C S T R I A L A S D ESGILISEERISG CHEMISTRY
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AMERICAN CONTEMPORARIES Lafayette D. Vorce
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AFAYETTE DENTOX VORCE, small in stature, big in heart, has accomplished more than his share in the advancement of the American chemical industry. His work in the electrolytic chlorine-caustic field is important, for his part in the development of the present circular cell has had much to do with its predominance in the chlorine field. He and the group with which he was associated a t Wyandotte in the early years of this century have been responsible for probably a considerable majority of the chlorinecaustic cells in use in America today. He was born January 1, 1865, in what is now part of Cleveland, Ohio, of a pioneer family. His small stature and weak physique as a boy convinced him that his success must come mentally. Chemistry attracted him early, and after early training in the Cleveland schools he entered Case School of Applied Science, a year after the Perkin medalist of this year. There must have been an electrolytic germ in the air or in the courses a t Case, for Mr. Dow's work a t Midland shows very decided signs of the infection. However, in b o t h c a s e s t h e period of incubation was extended, for several years elapsed before it broke out in virulent form. Lafayette With T'orce the'se years were spent in v a r i e d w a y s . Leaving Case, he went to Whiting, Ind., to work under W. M. Burton a t the Standard Oil refinery. Here he remained until 1896, and was in touch with the early development in petroleum technology. On leaving Whiting oils of a different nature occupied his attention, for he went back to his native town with the Cleveland Linseed Oil Company. For the next eleven years he was with various companies in this field, building and operating plants in different parts of the country. I n 1907, while in Bridgeport, Conn., he was offered a position as superintendent of the Wyandotte plant of the Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Company. The long period of incubation was now over, and the electrolytic germ, long buried in oil, came forth. After previous unsuccessful trials of other types of cells, the salt company had obtained the services of Arthur E. Gibbs and the circular cell which bears his name, shortly before Vorce became superintendent. There were associated together a t Wyan-
dotte during the years that Mr. Vorce was superintendent other men who have taken an important part in the chlorine industry and in other electrolytic work-F. G. Wheeler, Y. F. Hardcastle, Howard P. Wells, and William G. Harvey. Although the cell was successful early, efficiencies and production were greatly increased, and operating and construction costs greatly reduced. The relatively high power costs a t Wyandotte a t that time compared with the competitors a t Kiagara Falls acted as a spur to this work. But while the success of the cell was important to S'orce, the succesq of the personnel was equally so. He has always watched with great interest the careers of those who were associated with him there. With the Great War came an offer of the vice presidency of the Tennessee Copper Company, which took him away from electrolytic chlorine. After two years, however, he was back again as manager of the Canadian Salt Company's electrolytic plant a t Windsor, Ont. For six years this plant developed under his supervision, hydroelectric power from Niagara and the local salt bed combining to give low production costs. Leaving the Canadian Salt Company to D. Vorce enter the consulting field and to look after private interests, he supervised several installations of circular cells bearing his own name, including a large installation a t the Westvaco Chlorine Products Company a t Charleston, W. Va. This work led to his definite connection with this company as consulting engineer, where he is now carrying on development and experimental work in electrolytic chlorine and associated fields. His family life is ideal, and a visit to the Vorce's home is a pleasure and an inspiration. A wide interest in cultural fields and a charming circle of friends have rounded out his life to a satisfying whole. A t technical gatherings, although he does not seek the limelight, his picturesque mode of expression and genial manner have endeared him to a host of friends. He would, I am sure, rather be remembered for his influence on his friends and associates, rather than for his accomplishments technically, important though they may be. WALTONS. SMITH
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