Patterson, Gordon D. (Gordon Derby), 1897-1982.

Gordon Derby Patterson (1897-1982) spent nearly 40 years with the Central Research Department (formerly the Chemical Department), engaged in fundamental research, research assistance, and product development at the DuPont Experimental Station. His primary fields of interest were physical and colloid chemistry and inorganic chemistry. Patterson was also was responsible for organizing the Department's original physical research section. Over the course of his career, Patterson was granted a total of 32 patents as inventor or co-inventor. Among his numerous professional affiliations, Patterson was a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Physical Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was a 1940 recipient of the Modern Pioneer Award presented by the National Association of Manufacturers. Patterson also represented DuPont at meetings of the Directors of Industrial Research.

A native of Meadville, Pennsylvania, Patterson graduated cum laude from Allegheny College in 1919 with a bachelor of science in chemistry. He was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society. He remained active with the college's alumni council and later served on the board of trustees. Patterson joined the DuPont Company as a research chemist in 1923, after receiving his Ph.D. in industrial chemistry from Ohio State University.

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