Kemble, Edwin C. (Edwin Crawford), 1889-

Variant names
Dates:
Birth 1889-01-28
Death 1984-03-12

Biographical notes:

Physicist (band spectra, quantum theory, statistical mechanics). On the physics faculty at Harvard University from 1919, department chair, 1940-1945; chair of the physics section, National Academy of Sciences, 1945-1948.

From the description of Manuscripts, 1917-1937. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 81818829

Edwin Crawford Kemble (1889-1984), an American physicist, made contributions in several areas including band spectra, atomic structure, mathematics of quantum theory, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, analytical dynamics, theory of superchargers, and the philosophical aspects of quantum theory. In addition, he was deeply religious and concerned with the influence of science on religious ideas and on the central values of the Christian tradition. Kemble taught physics at Harvard from 1919 to 1960.

From the description of Papers of Edwin Crawford Kemble, 1913-1983 (inclusive). (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 76975852

Died 1984.

From the description of Oral history interview with Edwin C. Kemble, 1962 May 11 to 1963 October 2 (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 83659776

Edwin Crawford Kemble (1889-1984), an American physicist, made contributions in several areas including band spectra, atomic structure, mathematics of quantum theory, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, analytical dynamics, theory of superchargers, and the philosophical aspects of quantum theory .  In addition, he was deeply religious and concerned with the influence of science on religious ideas and on the central values of the Christian tradition .

Kemble earned an S.B. from the Case School of Applied Science in 1911 and his A.M and Ph.D. degrees from Harvard in 1914 and 1917, respectively.  His dissertation on quantum theory was the first American doctoral thesis on theoretical physics.

In 1919 he returned to Harvard as an Instructor.  He introduced the first course on quantum theory to the Harvard physics curriculum .  He became a Professor in 1930 and chaired the Department of Physics from 1940-1945.  During this period, he was also director of physics instruction at Harvard for Army and Navy officer training programs and helped design torpedo propellers.  In 1950 he published Introduction to Physical Science, a volume written for his Natural Sciences 2 course.  By the time he retired from the department in 1957, his teaching had encompassed quantum theory, thermodynamics, analytical mechanics, statistical mechanics, optics, electricity and magnetism, x-rays and crystal structure, and atomic physics.  From 1957 to 1960, he directed Harvard's institute for training high school science and math teachers .

From the guide to the Papers of Edwin Crawford Kemble, 1913-1983, (Harvard University Archives)

Links to collections

Comparison

This is only a preview comparison of Constellations. It will only exist until this window is closed.

  • Added or updated
  • Deleted or outdated

Information

Permalink:
SNAC ID:

Subjects:

  • Atomic theory
  • Complementarity (Physics)
  • Curriculum planning
  • Infrared radiation
  • Kinetic theory of gases
  • Nuclear physics
  • Physics
  • Physics
  • Physics
  • Physics
  • Quantum theory
  • Quantum theory
  • Quantum theory
  • Relativity (Physics)
  • Religion and science
  • Science
  • Wave mechanics
  • World War, 1939-1945

Occupations:

  • Physicists
  • Physicists
  • Physicists

Places:

  • Massachusetts--Cambridge (as recorded)

SNAC Cooperative Logo

Social Networks and Archival Context

SNAC is a discovery service for persons, families, and organizations found within archival collections at cultural heritage institutions.

Sponsors

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Institute of Museum and Library Services
National Endowment for the Humanities

Hosts

University of Virginia Library
National Archives and Records Administration