Baker, William O. (William Oliver), 1915-2005
William O. Baker Bell Laboratory collection, 1940-1976.
This collection is really a research file consisting of ten key monographs by Baker and two articles on the Bell Laboratories, both dating from the period in which Baker served as vice president of the Research Division. The Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey were considered to be among the world's most advanced industrial research facilities. Eleven Nobel Prizes were awarded for research conducted at the labs during Baker's tenure there. Topics found include polymers, solid state physics, and aerial reconnaissance.
Born in Brooklyn, New York on July 15, 1915. He attended Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland and Princeton University. Upon receiving his doctoral degree from Princeton, he joined Bell Labs in May 1939. Dr. Baker remained at Bell Labs for the remainder of his career, rising to vice president of the research division (in 1955) and ultimately became head of the labs from 1973 to 1979. Dr. Baker retired from Bell Laboratories in 1980. He died in Chatham, New Jersey on October 31, 2005. William O. Baker was a recognized authority on the production of synthetic rubber, solid state physics and satellite reconnaissance. Baker served as a science advisor to every American president from Eisenhower through to Nixon.
Baker, William O. (William Oliver), 1915-2005
Bell Telephone Laboratories
Polymers.
Solid state physics
Aerial reconnaissance -- United States -- History -- 20th century.
AIP-ICOS
Science History Institute. The Beckman Center for History of Chemistry. 315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2702, USA