Vannevar Bush: Engineer of the American Century

Endless Frontier: Vannevar Bush, Engineer of the American Century

by G. Pascal Zachary

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26611 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	561 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Vannevar Bush was an American engineer, inventor, and science administrator who played a major role in the development of the American atomic bomb and the computer. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of science and technology.

Bush was born in Everett, Massachusetts, on March 11, 1890. He graduated from Tufts University in 1913 with a degree in electrical engineering. After graduation, he worked for the General Electric Company and the American Telephone and Telegraph Company. In 1917, he joined the U.S. Army Signal Corps and served in France during World War I.

After the war, Bush returned to the United States and became a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In 1927, he became the dean of MIT's School of Engineering. In 1939, he was appointed president of the Carnegie Institution of Washington. In this role, he oversaw the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.

After the war, Bush served as the first director of the National Science Foundation. In this role, he helped to establish the National Science Foundation as a major source of funding for scientific research.

Bush was a prolific inventor. He held over 100 patents, including patents for the Vannevar Bush Differential Analyzer, an analog computer that was used to solve complex mathematical problems. He also developed the Memex, a prototype for the modern hypertext system.

Bush was a visionary leader who helped to shape the course of American science and technology. He was a strong advocate for the use of science and technology to solve social problems. He also believed that the United States should maintain a strong commitment to basic research.

Bush died in Belmont, Massachusetts, on June 28, 1974. He left behind a legacy of innovation and leadership that continues to inspire scientists and engineers today.

Bush's Accomplishments

• Developed the Vannevar Bush Differential Analyzer, an analog computer that was used to solve complex mathematical problems.
• Developed the Memex, a prototype for the modern hypertext system.
• Oversaw the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.
• Served as the first director of the National Science Foundation.

Bush's Legacy

Bush's legacy is one of innovation and leadership. He was a strong advocate for the use of science and technology to solve social problems. He also believed that the United States should maintain a strong commitment to basic research.

Bush's ideas have had a profound impact on the development of science and technology in the United States. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of science and technology.

Further Reading

• The Vannevar Bush Papers
• Vannevar Bush at the National Science Foundation
• Vannevar Bush: Engineer of the American Century

Endless Frontier: Vannevar Bush, Engineer of the American Century

by G. Pascal Zachary

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26611 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	561 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE