Schmitt, Otto Herbert, 1913-

Otto Herbert Arnold Schmitt, B.A. (1934), Ph.D. in physics, mathematics and zoology (1937), Washington University (St. Louis, MO). National research fellow (1937-1938) and Halley Steward research fellow (1938-1939), University College (London, England). Joined University of Minnesota faculty as instructor in zoology in 1939. Promoted to associate professor in 1941 and full professor in 1949. Best known for his invention of the Schmitt trigger (1938); research in the areas of magnetic fields, biophysics, bioengineering, physiology, and medicine; creation of the new discipline of biomimetics; held over 60 patents and published more than 200 articles. Otto Schmitt was born in St. Louis, Missouri on 6 August 1913 to Otto Franz Johannes Schmitt and Clara Senniger Schmitt. Schmitt began experimenting in various scientific fields as a young child, aided in his efforts by his older brother Francis O. Schmitt and weekly tutoring sessions with Jacob Siler, a close family friend. Schmitt left high school early and enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis, where his brother Frank was now an associate professor. During his undergraduate tenure, Schmitt published eight scholarly articles, many co-authored by Frank; his first article was published in Science magazine entitled, "A vacuum tube method of temperature control" (March 1931). In 1934 Schmitt earned his B.A. degree and was also awarded his first patent entitled, "Electrical System." Schmitt remained at Washington University to complete his Ph.D. in physics, zoology and mathematics (1937).On 1 August 1937, Schmitt married Viola Elise Muench. The two met while both were enrolled at Washington University. Viola earned a B.A. in Latin in 1934 and an M.A. in mathematics in 1935. After their marriage, she served as Schmitt's unpaid assistant and secretary for his entire academic career. After completing his Ph.D. in 1937, Schmitt spent the summer working at Woods Ho.

From the description of Otto Herbert Schmitt papers 1901-1998. (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis). WorldCat record id: 429023882

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