William O. Baker Bell Laboratory collection

Collection

Identifier: 2023-509

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

For a more detailed inventory, please view this record in our library catalog: https://othmerlib.sciencehistory.org/record=b1060961~S6

The monographs extend from 1940 through to 1976. Material found in collections. From the Center for Contemporary History and Policy Oral History Research Files.

Dates

Creation: 1940-1976

Creator

Baker, William O. (William Oliver), 1915-2005 (Person)
CHF Center for Contemporary History and Policy (Organization)

Language of Materials

Text in English.

Biographical sketch

William O. Baker was born in Brooklyn, New York on July 15 1915. He attended Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland and Princeton University. Upon receiving his doctoral degree from Princeton, he joined Bell Labs in May 1939. Dr. Baker remained at Bell Labs for the remainder of his career, rising to vice president of the research division (in 1955) and ultimately became head of the labs from 1973 to 1979. Dr. Baker retired from Bell Laboratories in 1980. He died in Chatham, New Jersey on October 31, 2005. William O. Baker was a recognized authority on the production of synthetic rubber, solid state physics and satellite reconnaissance. Baker served as a science advisor to every American president from Eisenhower through to Nixon. He had eleven patents issued to him and was the recipient of numerous awards, among them being Perkin Medal (1963), the Gibbs Medal (1978), the Vannevar Bush Award (1981) and the National Medal of Science (1988).

Extent

1 Linear Feet (1 (.5 (box linear feet)))

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection is really a research file consisting of ten key monographs by Baker and two articles on the Bell Laboratories, both dating from the period in which Baker served as vice president of the Research Division. The Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey were considered to be among the world's most advanced industrial research facilities. Eleven Nobel Prizes were awarded for research conducted at the labs during Baker's tenure there.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Source of acquisition--Princeton University, Mudd Manuscript Library, Princeton, New Jersey. Date of acquisition--Related to William O. Baker Papers, 1912-2008 (bulk 1960-1985) at.