PITTSBURGH A
Center
for Industrial
Mellon Institute of Industrial Research
TEASED on listings in the current (7th)
" ^ edition of "Industrial Research Laboratories of the United States", Pittsburgh—site of the 106th A. C. S. Convention this fall—appears as a leader in industrial research activities. Exceeded in numbers of listings only by New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Cleveland, it takes its place in the list of American cities well above its position on a population basis. This high place of Pittsburgh in the realm of pure science is sometimes overlooked in the layman's conception of the Steel City as being primarily a center of feverish activity, all pointed toward immediate monetary gain. Variety of activity is evident in the list of Pittsburgh research laboratories. Particularly is this true when the broad coverage of the scientific front by the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research is considered. Here, approximately 300 scientists are devoting their entire effort to the application of research to industry and humanity. The building which houses this activity is both beautiful and utilitarian; it is the result of intensive study which determined the type of construction and equipment best suited to the purpose. Extreme flexibility is everywhere evident, laboratories and offices may be arranged to care for a single individual working on a relatively short-time problem, or of a large group engaged upon complex and lengthy programs. In many instances, fellowships at the Mellon Institute have been the inception of permanent research programs for the
donors, and complete research plants have subsequently been set up to house them. The Gulf Research Labora-torles were once operated in Pittsburgh itself, but continued expansion resulted i n a move to
Research
WE8TINOHOUSE P H O T O
Mass spectrograph segregates gas molecules and their constituent atoms. Walls of the spectrograph are of copper tubing wound about a copper shell. The current in tubing creates one of the strongest magnetic fields for its size yet produced without iron. 976
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Above, Research Laboratory, of the Aluminum Co. of America, New Kensington, Penna. Below. View in laboratory.
near-by Harmarville where laboratories and shops were built for concentrated research on many phases of the petroleum industry, from oil prospecting to application of the myriad products produced. Laid out in a beautiful rural setting, the laboratories overlook a broad panorama of the Allegheny Biver Valley. Also, in the Allegheny River Valley at New Kensington, is the Aluminum Research Laboratory. Its director, F. C. Frary, is Honorary Chairman of the Pittsburgh Meeting. At New Kensington, he directs the activities of hundreds of researchers who devote their energies to the aluminum industry in all its phases. Some are engaged in the study of raw materials, including power generation, while others investigate chemical and metallurgical problems; still others study production methods. Built upon the crest of a hill which dominates its surroundings, the laboratories possess such well-kept grounds that its "inmates" are heard by their colleagues to call it "The Campus". N o t far from the intense industrial activity of the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co. a t East Pittsburgh, are the Westinghouse Research Laboratories where a corps of researchers apply the scientific attitude and attack to the electrical industry in all its phases. So complete is its equipment for the purpose that VOLUME
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12
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the scene is given variety by the imposing pear-shaped dome of a high-voltage electrostatic generator. The press, of course, has not missed opportunity to dub this "The Atom Smasher". So that Pittsburgh need not lack "smashed atoms" with which to carry on, there is being constructed at the University of Pittsburgh a cyclotron which eventually should add to the local stock of tagged atoms.
» » JUNE
25,
1943
Along the Allegheny River near downtown Pittsburgh, one sees the world's most famous number, "57". Here, in the great food preparation establishment of H. J. Heinz, are laboratories for research and control on foods. These are maintained in addition to a fellowship at the Mellon Institute. The Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. has a research laboratory in the very shadow of the Mellon Institute from which, indeed, 977
Cement Tile Corp., 608 South Dearborn st., Chicago, 111.
Detroit Advisory Committee on Chemical Problems An advisory committee on chemical matters has been appointed for the Detroit area by Harvey N. Davis, director of the Office of Production, Research, and Development, War Production Board, to act in an unpaid advisory capacity to firms doing war work. The committee will not do experimental work but will discuss problems with manufacturers and try to make helpful suggestions. It is similar to committees that are operating successfully in New York and Minnesota. Membership in the committee is as follows: George Calingaert, director of chemical research, Ethyl Corp., Detroit; Arthur H. Carr, dean, College of Engineering, Wayne University, Detroit; Clyde C. DeWItt, chairman, Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan State College, East Lansing; Ralph D . Hummel, assistant manager, Chemical Department, Manufacturing Division, Parke, Davis & Co., Detroit; Harvey M. Merker, superintendent of manufacturing, Parke, Davis & Co., Detroit; Mark E. Putnam, vice president, director, and production manager, Dow Chemical Co., Midland; W. P. Putnam, president, Detroit Testing Laboratory, Detroit; Alfred H. White, professor of chemical engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, chairman.
"Shoulder Arms'
it sprang. Here, paint and other finishing materials, as well as glass, are subjects for industrial research. Its director, Fred Adams, is vice chairman in charge of accommodations for the Pittsburgh Meeting. The Hall Laboratories are in the heart of the Golden Triangle, and here E. P. Partridge directs work on water* -nditioning, when he can find time out from hi* duties as vice chairman in charge of service for the Pittsburgh Meeting. At Carnegie Institute of Technology are several research laboratories whose work is of special importance to industry. Among them is the Coal Research Laboratory where fundamental investigations on coal as an industrial raw material have been conducted. The Metals Research Laboratory is especially well equipped and staffed for investigation in this field. At the University of Pittsburgh is established a group of researchers on nutrition under the able leadership of H. £. Longenecker, who is Vice Chairman for Entertainment for the Pittsburgh Meeting. This group cooperates in the application of chemistry, physics, psychology, and any other pertinent science to the better nutrition of mankind and, incidentally, of rats, mice, and guinea pigs. Unique in the steel industry is the laboratory of the Jones & Laughlin Steel Co. where steel-making equipment in miniature is set up so that the many 978
variables may be studied under close control. The Pittsburgh Station of the U. S. Bureau of Mines is a beehive of activity where industrial research in the mining and utilization of coal has been conducted by the Government for many years. Of special significance at this time is the important work here on the production of motor fuel from coal by hydrogenation. Steel, glue, hormones, air brakes, rolls, oil, slag, gas—these are but random choices from the tremendous list of materials which form the subject of industrial research in Pittsburgh. Likewise, the laboratories mentioned are but a random sample from among the many. At this time, obviously, it is impossible to mention or discuss the activities of Pittsburgh's laboratories in connection with the war effort. When the war is won, many a story will come out. Not only will the Nation's armed forces have been equipped through their efforts with better weapons for victory, but also there will always remain as important byproducts, materials and processes which will tremendously change the life and outlook of all of us. Pittsburgh research catalyzes war chemistry and anticipates the future. Formerly known as the Federal American Cement Tile Co., this company has been reorganized and now operates as the CHEMICAL
Who Makes It? The National Registry of Hare Chemicals, A r m o u r Research Foundation, 33rd, Federal and Dearborn Streets, Chicago, 111., is anxious t o secure the following chemicals: Lead catechol Myricin o-Hydroxyphenyl mercuric chloride Cholestenone Di-n-hexylamine Orthofoim (old or new) Triethyl phosphene 2,4,6-Trisulfhydryltriazine Diethylaminoethyl - oxymethoxy - allylbenzene 2 - Diethylamino - methylbenzdioxane Ornithine Cyano benzaldehyde Phenyllactic acid AND
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