The Business Acumen of Scientists There are numerous examples of business successes among the science pioneers. The wellknown figure of Gdileo can also emerge as one who knew enough about free enterprise to manufacture B small hdance and to try to interest military authorities in the value of the telescope. He was aware enough to augment his income by having student hoarders in his home. Another stalwart of physical science, William Herschel, the discoverer of the planet Uranus, made a large amount of money manufacturing telescopes; the wealth of the woman he married also helped! Other English scientists who married well include Sir Humphry Dlwy and Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford. The latter was an astute fellow who knew the art of getting along with diverse governments. Although Michael Faraday forsook industrial science and consulting work when he was older and more famous, he had built up s. large practice as s. consulting ~nalytiealchemist. Some of his clients included the East India. Company and the Admiralty. In 1820 he was in court as an expert witness for some insurance companies. English scientists of the nineteenth century who were financial experts include William Thomson, Lord Kelvin, and J. J. Thomson. The German physical chemists Walter Nemst and Frite Hilher also became wealthy as a result of their scientific achievements. If it is true that 90% of all scientists who ever lived are alive today, it is reasonable to assume that these financially successful pioneers have a. ststistical quota. of modem counterparts. Many exrtmoles come to mind for tLnvone aeauainted with the scientific communitv. Perhaos we tend to ignore too completely this potential attraction of a scientifio career when we talk ta young people only of the excitement and intellectual gratification of pure research.
Volume 43, Number 8, August 1966
/
447
