Births on January 10

Frederick Gardner Cottrell, American physical chemist, inventor and philanthropist (d. 1948)

Frederick Gardner Cottrell, born on January 10, 1877, and passing on November 16, 1948, was a seminal figure in American science and philanthropy. Revered as an accomplished physical chemist, a prolific inventor, and a visionary philanthropist, Cottrell's legacy is deeply etched in both environmental protection and the advancement of scientific discovery. His most celebrated contributions include the invention of the electrostatic precipitator, a groundbreaking device in early air pollution control, and the establishment of the Research Corporation for Science Advancement, a pioneering foundation that has continuously funded scientific research since 1912.

The Electrostatic Precipitator: A Pioneering Solution to Air Pollution

Frederick Cottrell's inventive genius shone brightest with his development of the electrostatic precipitator (ESP). Patented in 1908, this innovation marked a pivotal moment in the nascent field of environmental engineering, representing one of the very first effective technologies specifically designed to combat industrial air pollution on a large scale.

What is an Electrostatic Precipitator and How Does it Work?

An electrostatic precipitator is a filtration device that removes fine particles, like dust and smoke, from a flowing gas using the force of an induced electrostatic charge. The process involves several key steps:

• Ionization: As the polluted gas enters the ESP, it passes through an electrical field created by high-voltage electrodes. These electrodes impart a negative charge to the airborne particles.
• Collection: The charged particles are then attracted to positively charged collection plates or electrodes. Due to the electrostatic force, the particles adhere to these plates.
• Removal: Periodically, the collected dust is dislodged from the plates, often by mechanical rapping or washing, allowing it to fall into hoppers for disposal or recycling.

Impact and Significance of Cottrell's Invention

At the turn of the 20th century, rapid industrialization led to severe air quality issues, particularly from metallurgical plants, sulfuric acid factories, and cement kilns. These industries released vast quantities of particulate matter into the atmosphere, causing significant environmental damage and public health concerns. Cottrell's electrostatic precipitator offered an unprecedented solution:

• It dramatically reduced the emission of fine dust, smoke, and acid mists from industrial smokestacks.
• It improved working conditions within factories by clearing the air.
• It often allowed for the recovery of valuable materials that would otherwise have been lost as waste, such as lead, zinc, and sulfuric acid components, transforming a pollution problem into an economic benefit for industries.

The ESP's principles remain fundamental to modern air pollution control systems, demonstrating Cottrell's enduring foresight and ingenuity in tackling environmental challenges.

Research Corporation for Science Advancement: A Legacy of Philanthropy

Beyond his technical inventions, Frederick Cottrell's innovative spirit extended to his extraordinary philanthropic vision, which culminated in the establishment of the Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA) in 1912. This institution was born from a truly revolutionary idea: using the commercial profits generated from his patents, particularly the electrostatic precipitator, to create a self-sustaining endowment for scientific research.

An Innovative Model for Funding Science

Cottrell recognized that many promising scientific discoveries languished due to a lack of funding for further development and application. Instead of profiting personally from his immensely successful invention, he assigned his patents to the newly formed Research Corporation. This ingenious model ensured that royalties from the industrial application of the electrostatic precipitator would perpetually fund basic scientific inquiry and technological development across various disciplines. This approach was unprecedented at the time and set a new standard for philanthropic support of science.

Mission and Enduring Impact of RCSA

From its inception, the Research Corporation for Science Advancement has been dedicated to advancing scientific research and technological innovation. Over more than a century, RCSA has become a cornerstone of philanthropic support for academic science in the United States, providing critical seed funding for promising, high-risk, high-reward projects. It primarily supports physical sciences, including physics, chemistry, and astronomy, often aiding early-career faculty in launching their research careers. By investing in foundational research, RCSA has contributed to countless discoveries and breakthroughs, embodying Cottrell's belief in the power of science to benefit humanity.

FAQs About Frederick Gardner Cottrell

Who was Frederick Gardner Cottrell?

Frederick Gardner Cottrell (1877–1948) was an American physical chemist, inventor, and philanthropist. He is renowned for inventing the electrostatic precipitator to control air pollution and for founding the Research Corporation for Science Advancement, a unique foundation that funds scientific research using patent royalties.

What is the electrostatic precipitator?

The electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is an air pollution control device invented by Cottrell. It uses electrostatic forces to remove fine particulate matter, such as dust and smoke, from industrial exhaust gases, significantly reducing air pollution from factories.

How did Cottrell contribute to philanthropy?

Cottrell was a visionary philanthropist who established the Research Corporation for Science Advancement in 1912. He famously assigned the patents for his inventions, including the highly profitable electrostatic precipitator, to this corporation, ensuring that the income generated would perpetually fund scientific research rather than personal gain. This created a self-sustaining model for science funding.

When was the Research Corporation for Science Advancement established?

The Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA) was established by Frederick Gardner Cottrell in 1912.

What kind of research does the Research Corporation fund?

The Research Corporation for Science Advancement primarily funds basic scientific research in the physical sciences, including physics, chemistry, and astronomy, often supporting early-career faculty and innovative, high-potential projects.