120

An album with approximately 700 photographs documenting the life of scientist and inventor Arthur Francis Turner (1906-1996). 1906-29.

Silver prints
Arthur Francis Turner's mother made this album from the time of his birth to the late 1920s, following his life until he traveled to Europe to begin his PhD. The huge album has more than 200 pages and is chock-a-block with ephemera and memories. There is a fascinating amount of handwriting in the album by Turner's mother, unbelievably proud of her son all the way along. It also contains many photographs and articles and other ephemera involved with his life, including his first laugh, clips of his hair, Christmas cards, report cards, health records, as well as various award certificates and other personal material. Turner's mother celebrates his 21st birthday and notes "Francis has his own book now and will continue his own biography [...] I shall pass the work on to him, with the fond hope that he may continue this very pleasant task."

Thick 4to, leatherette with gilt lettering "A. Francis Turner / Detroit, Mich.," chipped and lightly worn.
The images 4 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (11.4 x 8.9 cm.), and slightly smaller, the sheets slightly larger

  • Provenance: Notes:
    Arthur Francis Turner graduated from M.I.T. in 1929 with a degree in Physics. He then pursued a PhD in Physics at the University of Berlin. He became president of the Optical Society of America in 1968 and is well known for his contributions to the field of optical thin-film coatings. He was awarded the Technical Oscar in 1959 for the Balcold projection mirror.
  • Condition: For condition reports, email Deborah Rogal at [email protected]

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April 30, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
New York, NY, US

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