Life History
Arnold Orville Beckman (1900-2004) was an American chemist, inventor, and philanthropist.
Arnold Beckman Birth
Arnold Beckman was born on April 10, 1900 in Cullom, Illinois, United States.
Arnold Beckman Accomplishments
Arnold Orville Beckman had several significant accomplishments throughout his life,
Invention of the pH meter
In 1934, Beckman invented the pH meter, an instrument that measures acidity and alkalinity of solutions. This invention revolutionized scientific research and made it possible to study chemical reactions more accurately.
Co-founding of Beckman Instruments
In 1935, Beckman and his wife founded Beckman Instruments, which became one of the most successful companies in the scientific instrumentation industry. The company's products were used in a variety of fields, including medical research, aerospace, and environmental monitoring.
Development of the DU spectrophotometer
In 1940, Beckman developed the DU spectrophotometer, which measured the absorption of light by molecules. This instrument became a standard tool in biochemistry and helped researchers to understand the structure and function of biological molecules.
Contributing to WWII efforts
During World War II, Beckman helped to develop and improve a number of military technologies, including infrared night-vision equipment and an oxygen analyzer for pilots.
Philanthropy
Beckman and his wife were generous philanthropists, donating millions of dollars to various causes, including science education and research. The couple also established the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, which supports scientific research and education.
Arnold Beckman Family Background
Arnold Orville Beckman's father's name was George Beckman and his mother's name was Elizabeth Madsen Beckman.
Arnold Orville Beckman had three siblings. His siblings' names were Myrtle Beckman, Raymond Beckman, and Norman Beckman.
Beckman's family background provided him with a strong foundation for his future accomplishments in science and entrepreneurship.
Arnold Orville Beckman was born on April 10, 1900, in Cullom, Illinois, United States, to George Beckman and Elizabeth Madsen Beckman. He was the youngest of four children in the family. Beckman's father was a farmer and blacksmith, and his mother was a homemaker.
Beckman's family had a strong work ethic and valued education. His parents encouraged their children to pursue their academic interests and provided them with a supportive environment. Beckman's early interest in science was fostered by his mother, who helped him set up a chemistry laboratory in their home when he was a teenager.
Arnold Orville Beckman's father, George Beckman, was a farmer and blacksmith. He was born on June 14, 1867, in Illinois, United States. George Beckman's parents were German immigrants, and he grew up in a family of farmers. He married Elizabeth Madsen in 1891, and they had four children together, including Arnold Beckman.
George Beckman worked hard to provide for his family and instilled a strong work ethic in his children. He also valued education and encouraged his children to pursue their academic interests. George Beckman's skills as a blacksmith may have influenced Arnold Beckman's interest in science and engineering, as he learned to work with metals and tools from his father at an early age.
Arnold Orville Beckman's mother, Elizabeth Madsen Beckman, was a homemaker. She was born on May 9, 1870, in Illinois, United States. Elizabeth Madsen's parents were Danish immigrants, and she grew up in a family that valued education and hard work.
Elizabeth Madsen married George Beckman in 1891, and they had four children together, including Arnold Beckman. She played a significant role in shaping her children's academic interests and supported their educational pursuits. When Arnold Beckman expressed an interest in chemistry, Elizabeth Madsen helped him set up a chemistry laboratory in their home when he was a teenager.
Elizabeth Madsen's background as the daughter of Danish immigrants and her commitment to education and hard work contributed to Arnold Beckman's upbringing and influenced his future success in science and entrepreneurship.
Arnold Orville Beckman had three siblings.
Myrtle Beckman,
Raymond Beckman,
Norman Beckman,
Myrtle Beckman was one of the siblings of Arnold Orville Beckman. She was born on December 22, 1892, in Illinois, United States. Myrtle was the eldest child in the Beckman family.
Myrtle Beckman graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in music in 1914. She then became a music teacher and worked in various schools in Illinois. Myrtle was also a talented musician and composer, and she collaborated with her brother Arnold on several projects, including the development of the Beckman DU Spectrophotometer.
Myrtle Beckman never married and lived with her parents until their deaths. She passed away on December 20, 1976, at the age of 83.
Raymond Beckman was one of the siblings of Arnold Orville Beckman. He was born on November 12, 1896, in Illinois, United States.
Raymond Beckman served in World War I and then worked as a farmer and livestock dealer. He married Grace Wager in 1927, and they had two children together. Raymond was known for his love of the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Raymond Beckman passed away on August 1, 1967, at the age of 70.
Norman Beckman was one of the siblings of Arnold Orville Beckman. He was born on January 13, 1899, in Illinois, United States.
After completing high school, Norman Beckman worked as a clerk in a local bank. He then went on to attend the University of Illinois, where he earned a degree in business in 1923. Norman worked as an accountant and auditor for several companies throughout his career.
Norman Beckman married Margaret Steiner in 1931, and they had two children together. He was an active member of his community and served on various boards
Norman Beckman passed away on June 23, 1971, at the age of 72. ❝George Beadle Read More❞
Arnold Beckman Education
Arnold Orville Beckman received his early education in public schools in Illinois. He graduated from high school in 1918 and then enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
At the University of Illinois, Beckman earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering in 1922 and a master's degree in physical chemistry in 1923. He then went on to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1928.
During his time at Caltech, Arnold Beckman studied under the renowned chemist Roscoe G. Dickinson, who encouraged him to pursue his interests in scientific instrumentation. This led to the development of the pH meter, which would become one of Beckman's most significant contributions to science and technology.
After completing his Ph.D., Arnold Beckman joined the Caltech faculty as a professor of chemistry, where he taught for several years.
Beckman's academic pursuits continued throughout his career, and he received numerous honorary degrees from universities around the world. He also established the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, which supports scientific research and education.
Arnold Beckman Career
Arnold Orville Beckman had a diverse and successful career in science, business, and philanthropy. After earning his Ph.D. in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1928, Beckman began his career as a researcher at Caltech, where he focused on developing new instruments for measuring physical and chemical properties.
In 1934, Beckman founded Beckman Instruments, which produced innovative scientific instruments such as the pH meter and the spectrophotometer. Beckman's instruments revolutionized the fields of chemistry, biology, and medicine and made it easier for researchers to conduct accurate and precise measurements.
Throughout his career, Beckman was committed to supporting scientific research and education. He established the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation in 1977, which has provided funding for research in a wide range of fields, including chemistry, physics, and biomedical sciences.
Beckman also served on various boards and committees, including the National Academy of Sciences, the California Institute of Technology, and the National Air and Space Museum. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science, including the National Medal of Science in 1989.
Arnold Orville Beckman's career was marked by a commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific excellence. His contributions to science and philanthropy continue to have a significant impact on the world today. ❝William Bayliss Read More❞
Arnold Beckman Awards
Arnold Orville Beckman received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. These awards recognize Beckman's significant contributions to science and technology and his impact on the fields of chemistry, engineering, and instrumentation.
National Medal of Science: Beckman received the National Medal of Science in 1989 for his contributions to the development of scientific instrumentation.
Priestley Medal: In 1988, Beckman was awarded the Priestley Medal, the highest honor given by the American Chemical Society.
Presidential Medal of Freedom: In 1988, President Ronald Reagan awarded Beckman the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States.
Kyoto Prize: Beckman was awarded the Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology in 1987 for his contributions to the development of scientific instrumentation.
Elliott Cresson Medal: In 1951, Beckman received the Elliott Cresson Medal from the Franklin Institute for his work in developing the pH meter.
Faraday Medal: In 1975, Beckman was awarded the Faraday Medal from the Royal Society of Chemistry for his contributions to analytical chemistry.
Arnold Beckman Books'
Arnold Orville Beckman did not write any books, but he did publish numerous scientific papers throughout his career. These papers cover a wide range of topics, including analytical chemistry, instrumentation, and optics.
Ultraviolet Spectroscopy and Its Applications: This book, published in 1942, was co-authored by Beckman and G. Kirkwood.
The Determination of Impurities in Nuclear Grade Sodium Metal: This book, published in 1963, was co-authored by Beckman and W. J. Mueller.
The Beckman Symposium on Biomedical Instrumentation: This book, published in 1977, includes contributions from Beckman and other experts in the field.
Beckman Instruments: A History: This book, published in 1998, was written by Arnold Thackray and details the history of the company founded by Beckman.
These books reflect Beckman's expertise in the fields of spectroscopy, chemistry, and instrumentation, as well as his contributions to the development of scientific and medical technology.
Arnold Beckman Personal Life
Arnold Orville Beckman's wife's name was Mabel Beckman.
Arnold Orville Beckman had two children with his wife Mabel Beckman:
Arnold Beckman Jr.
Phyllis Beckman Friedman.
Arnold Orville Beckman had a rich and fulfilling personal life outside of his professional achievements.
Marriage and family
Arnold Orville Beckman married Mabel Beckman on August 10, 1925. They were married for over 60 years until Mabel's death in 1989. Mabel was born on May 16, 1900, in Cullom, Illinois, the same town where Arnold was born. They met in high school and began dating while attending the University of Illinois. Mabel was a supportive partner to Arnold throughout his career, and they raised two children together, Arnold Jr. and Phyllis. Mabel was also involved in various philanthropic activities and supported the arts and education. After her death, Arnold established the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation to continue their legacy of philanthropy.
Hobbies and interests
Beckman had a range of hobbies and interests outside of science and business. He enjoyed playing golf, sailing, and gardening. He was also an avid collector of antique scientific instruments and rare books.
Philanthropy
Beckman was deeply committed to philanthropy and supported a range of charitable causes throughout his life. He and his wife established the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation in 1977 to support scientific research, education, and other charitable causes.
Religion
Beckman was a devout member of the Presbyterian Church and served as an elder in his local congregation.
Political activism
Beckman was politically active and supported various causes throughout his life, including civil rights and environmental conservation.
Health issues
Beckman suffered from hearing loss later in life and was fitted with a cochlear implant in his 90s. He also struggled with age-related macular degeneration, a condition that affects the eyes.
Beckman's personal life was marked by his devotion to family, his wide-ranging interests and hobbies, his commitment to philanthropy, and his faith. He was a well-rounded individual who found fulfillment in many aspects of his life beyond his professional accomplishments.
Mabel Beckman, born Mabel Meinzer on May 16, 1900, was the wife of Arnold Orville Beckman, a renowned American inventor, chemist, and philanthropist. Mabel and Arnold met in high school and began dating while attending the University of Illinois. They were married on August 10, 1925, and were together for over 60 years until Mabel's death in 1989.
Mabel was known for her philanthropy and community involvement. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church and supported various charitable causes, including education and the arts. After her husband's death, she continued to support the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, which was established to support scientific research, education, and other philanthropic causes. Mabel passed away on January 30, 1989, at the age of 88.
Children
Arnold Beckman Jr.
Phyllis Beckman Friedman.
Arnold Beckman Jr., also known as Arnie Beckman, was the son of Arnold Orville Beckman and Mabel Beckman. He was born on August 17, 1928, in Pasadena, California, and grew up in the San Gabriel Valley area. Arnie graduated from Pomona College and later earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology.
Arnie was a successful businessman and served as the CEO of Beckman Instruments, the company founded by his father, from 1981 to 1989. He also served on the board of directors of several companies and was actively involved in various philanthropic activities, including serving as a trustee of the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation.
Arnie Beckman passed away on October 19, 2004, at the age of 76. He was survived by his wife, three children, and several grandchildren.
Phyllis Beckman Friedman, was the daughter of Arnold Orville Beckman and Mabel Beckman. She was born on December 23, 1930, in Pasadena, California, and grew up in the San Gabriel Valley area. Phyllis graduated from Pomona College and later earned a master's degree in education from Claremont Graduate University.
Phyllis was a teacher and an active member of the community. She served on the board of directors of several nonprofit organizations, including the Pasadena Symphony and the Friends of the Pasadena Public Library. She was also involved in various philanthropic activities and supported several charitable causes.
Phyllis Beckman Friedman passed away on March 23, 2017, at the age of 86. She was survived by her husband, two children, and several grandchildren.
Arnold Beckman Death
Arnold Orville Beckman passed away on May 18, 2004, at the age of 104. He died at his home in La Jolla, California, surrounded by his family.
After his death, Beckman was remembered for his remarkable life and his many accomplishments.
Beckman's death was widely mourned, and he was remembered as a pioneering scientist and inventor who had a significant impact on the fields of chemistry, electronics, and medicine. He was also recognized for his philanthropy and dedication to supporting scientific research and education.
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