Robert Henry Thurston
Encyclopedia
Robert Henry Thurston was the first professor
of mechanical engineering
at Stevens Institute of Technology
(in 1871). There he established Stevens’ mechanical engineering curriculum. Historians credit Thurston with establishing the first US mechanical engineering laboratory for conducting funded research at an academic institution for higher learning. He was the first president (1880-82) of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
.
Thurston was a professor at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis and a published specialist on iron and steel as well as steam engine
s, when he was invited in 1871 by Stevens’ president Henry Morton to head mechanical engineering at Stevens. He was committed to the French and German science-based models of technical education and soon would gain an international reputation for his view of engineering as applied science
. His enthusiasm in involving students in funded research led to remarkable pioneering success of the early Stevens’ graduates.
Thurston held two patents: one an autographic recording testing machine for material in torsion and the other a machine for testing lubricants. In 1875, he also developed the three-coordinate solid diagram for testing iron, steel, and other metals. He was widely published in the areas of materials, thermodynamics, steam engines and boilers, friction and energetics.
In 1885, he received an honorary Degree
of Engineering from Stevens. He left in 1885 to replace John Edison Sweet
as director of Sibley College at Cornell University
, reorganizing it as a college of mechanical engineering.
He was born October 25, 1839, in Providence, Rhode Island
, and died October 25, 1903, in Ithaca, New York
.
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
of mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the...
at Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevens Institute of Technology is a technological university located on a campus in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA – founded in 1870 with an 1868 bequest from Edwin A. Stevens. It is known for its engineering, science, and technological management curricula.The institute has produced leading...
(in 1871). There he established Stevens’ mechanical engineering curriculum. Historians credit Thurston with establishing the first US mechanical engineering laboratory for conducting funded research at an academic institution for higher learning. He was the first president (1880-82) of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers is a professional body, specifically an engineering society, focused on mechanical engineering....
.
Thurston was a professor at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis and a published specialist on iron and steel as well as steam engine
Steam engine
A steam engine is a heat engine that performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid.Steam engines are external combustion engines, where the working fluid is separate from the combustion products. Non-combustion heat sources such as solar power, nuclear power or geothermal energy may be...
s, when he was invited in 1871 by Stevens’ president Henry Morton to head mechanical engineering at Stevens. He was committed to the French and German science-based models of technical education and soon would gain an international reputation for his view of engineering as applied science
Applied science
Applied science is the application of scientific knowledge transferred into a physical environment. Examples include testing a theoretical model through the use of formal science or solving a practical problem through the use of natural science....
. His enthusiasm in involving students in funded research led to remarkable pioneering success of the early Stevens’ graduates.
Thurston held two patents: one an autographic recording testing machine for material in torsion and the other a machine for testing lubricants. In 1875, he also developed the three-coordinate solid diagram for testing iron, steel, and other metals. He was widely published in the areas of materials, thermodynamics, steam engines and boilers, friction and energetics.
In 1885, he received an honorary Degree
Honorary degree
An honorary degree or a degree honoris causa is an academic degree for which a university has waived the usual requirements, such as matriculation, residence, study, and the passing of examinations...
of Engineering from Stevens. He left in 1885 to replace John Edison Sweet
John Edison Sweet
John Edison Sweet was an American mechanical engineer who built the first micrometer caliper in 1873, for making tools, and who invented the “straight line” engine. He was a key founder of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1880 and ASME’s third president...
as director of Sibley College at Cornell University
Cornell University
Cornell University is an Ivy League university located in Ithaca, New York, United States. It is a private land-grant university, receiving annual funding from the State of New York for certain educational missions...
, reorganizing it as a college of mechanical engineering.
He was born October 25, 1839, in Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region...
, and died October 25, 1903, in Ithaca, New York
Ithaca, New York
The city of Ithaca, is a city in upstate New York and the county seat of Tompkins County, as well as the largest community in the Ithaca-Tompkins County metropolitan area...
.
Works
- reprint: