Charles Proteus Steinmetz Collection

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: 0000-0029

Staff Only

Scope and Content Note

This collection contains a number of letters about obtaining and exhibiting Steinmetz's materials, most of which are from or to Robert E. Doherty, later president of Carnegie Institute of Technology, who was a pupil of Steinmetz at the General Electric Company. A few of the letters are from Steinmetz, to Doherty. Also contained in the collection are several demonstrational objects that were used to create 3D stereoscopic images for Steinmetz's book, Four Lectures on Relativity and Space, as well as several other unidentified, similarly shaped wooden objects, and various photographs of Steinmetz.

Dates

Creation: Majority of material found within Bulk, 1885-1947
Creation: 1885-1978

Restrictions

None.

Biography or History

Charles Proteus Steinmetz was an important scientist born in Breslau, Germany. In 1893 he moved to New York and took the role of a consultant for the General Electric Company. He also taught electrical engineering at Union College from 1902-1923, and was the president of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers from 1901-1902.

Steinmetz was a pioneer in alternating current research, and is considered an important player in the spread of electrical power in the United States. He created a well-known exhibit in a GE laboratory in 1921 which was capable of generating artificial lightning. Steinmetz wrote several works on electricity and other subjects, including the book Four Lectures on Relativity and Space.

Extent

1.0 Linear feet (1 box)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

This collection contains the materials of Charles Proteus Steinmetz, the former President of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. This collection contains a number of letters about obtaining and exhibiting Steinmetz's materials, most of which are from or to Robert E. Doherty, later president of Carnegie Institute of Technology, who was a pupil of Steinmetz at the General Electric Company.