Author talk:Louis W. Peck

Latest comment: 9 years ago by Captain Nemo


Obituary in The American Journal of Science, Fourth Series, Volume VII, No. 39, March 1899, p.248:

Prof. Louis W. Peck, for several years of the department of Physics in the University of Minnesota, died in Tucson, Arizona, on December 26th, in the 47th year of his age. He was born in Providence, R. I., and was educated in the Mass. Institute of Technology. He also served an apprenticeship in the Harris Corliss Engine Works in Providence. Prof. Peck's contributions to science were made in the investigation of the flouring mill explosion that occurred in Minneapolis, Minn., May 2, 1878. The mills exploded and then burned. They were insured against loss by fire and it became a ques-i or the explosion caused the fire. Prof. Peck contrived a simple appara-h mixed with air in suitable proportions, would explode with terrific force tion of great importance whether fire caused the exploson tus by which he showed that flour and wheat dust, wen if ignited with flame. Glowing charcoal and white hot platinum wires would not ignite the mixture, hence the conclusion was inevitable, confirmed by collateral evidence, that the mills were on fire before they exploded. Prof. Peck's results were embodied in a paper which was published in the Popular Science Monthly, xiv, p. 159, and the London Journal of Science, xvi, p. 666. This paper was widely copied and reviewed. Signed S.F.P. (= Stephen F. Peckham, Professor of Physics in Minnesota). Captain Nemo (talk) 06:05, 10 July 2015 (UTC)Reply

Name Louis W Peck
Birth Oct 18, 1851
Death Dec 26. 1898