Martin S. Frant Papers
Scope and Content
The Martin S. Frant Papers contain the papers of American analytical chemist and inventor Martin S. Frant. The files in this collection are arranged alphabetically by format. The materials in this collection concern Frant’s research and development work on commercially viable ion-selective electrodes at Orion Research, Incorporated during the 1960s. The collection’s contents consist of three laboratory notebooks kept by Frant at Orion Research, a reprint of an article written by Frant, a letter by Frant to the Chemical Heritage Foundation, and an Orion Research report regarding work on organic electrodes co-written by Frant and James W. Ross.
Dates
- Creation: 1964-2016
Creator
- Frant, Martin S. (Person)
- Orion Research, Inc. (Organization)
Language of Materials
All collection materials are in English.
Access Restrictions
There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes and the collection is open to the public.
Copyright Information
The Science History Institute holds copyright to the Martin S. Frant Papers. The researcher assumes full responsibility for all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.
Background Note
Martin S. Frant was an American analytical chemist and inventor. Born in 1926, Frant earned his bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College, and his master’s degree and Ph.D. in chemistry from Case Western Reserve University (1953). After obtaining his doctorate, he started his professional career as an organic chemist with Gallowhur Chemical Company. Frant soon became interested in instrumentation and subsequently went to work in the scientific instruments industry, holding positions with AMP, Incorporated (1956-1963) and Prototech, Incorporated (1963-1964).
In 1964, Frant was hired by Orion Research, Incorporated, a small scientific instrument manufacturer based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. At Orion Research, he joined a team working on the development of commercially viable ion-selective electrodes for use in chemical analysis. Frant went on to enjoy a distinguished career with Orion Research, inventing or co-inventing a number of commercially viable ion-selective electrodes, including, but not limited to, the fluoride electrode, copper electrode, and lead electrode. He also developed techniques for their application. His work with ion-selective electrodes facilitated his rise up Orion Research’s corporate ladder, eventually reaching the rank of Vice President of Research.
Frant left Orion Research in 1978 to accept a position at Foxboro Company, serving as Applications Manager of the firm’s Analytical Division. He returned to Orion Research in 1984, this time serving as the concern’s Director of Development and Director of Marketing. In 1996, he left Orion Research to become a Principal at Chemotics Consulting.
Martin S. Frant was awarded a number of patents over the course of his career, including, but not limited to, the fluoride electrode (1969) and electrochemical electrode (1969). He was also the author of a number of science journal articles and was an active member of the American Chemical Society.
Sources
Martin S. Frant Papers, Science History Institute Archives, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Extent
0.5 Linear Feet (1 Hollinger Box)
Abstract
Laboratory notebooks, report, letter, and article reprint of American analytical chemist and inventor Martin S. Frant, which relate to his work on ion-selective electrodes at Orion Research, Incorporated.
Acquisition Information
The Martin S. Frant Papers were donated to the Science History Institute (formerly the Chemical Heritage Foundation) by Martin S. Frant in June 2016.
Processing Information
The Martin S. Frant Papers were processed by Kenton G. Jaehnig in January 2018.
- Title
- Martin S. Frant Papers
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid created and encoded into EAD by Kenton G. Jaehnig.
- Date
- 2018
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the Science History Institute Archives Repository
315 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia PA 19106 United States
215.873.8265
215.873.5265 (Fax)
reference@sciencehistory.org