Robert Simpson Woodward facts for kids
Robert Simpson Woodward was a brilliant American scientist. He was born on July 21, 1849, and passed away on June 29, 1924. Robert Woodward was a civil engineer, a physicist, and a mathematician. He used his skills to study how things work in the world.
Contents
Biography
Robert Woodward was born in Rochester, Michigan on July 21, 1849. His parents were Lysander Woodward and Peninah A. Simpson.
Early Career and Education
He studied at the University of Michigan. In 1872, he earned a degree in civil engineering. After graduating, he became an assistant engineer. He worked for the United States Lake Survey.
In 1882, Robert became an assistant astronomer. He helped with the United States Transit of Venus Commission. This group studied how the planet Venus moved across the sun.
Working for the Government
From 1884 to 1890, he was an astronomer. He worked for the United States Geological Survey. In 1890, Thomas Corwin Mendenhall hired him. Robert then worked for the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Life as a Professor
In 1893, Robert Woodward started teaching. He became a professor at Columbia University. He taught about mechanics, which is the study of motion and forces. Later, he also taught mathematical physics.
From 1895 to 1905, he was the dean of pure science at Columbia. This meant he was in charge of the science department.
Leading the Carnegie Institution
In 1905, he became the president. He led the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D.C.. This institution helps scientists do important research. Robert Woodward made it even better known for its scientific work.
Achievements and Recognition
He was chosen to join the National Academy of Sciences in 1896. This is a very important group of scientists. From 1898 to 1900, he was the president of the American Mathematical Society. In 1900, he became president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was also elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1902. In 1915, he joined the Naval Consulting Board.
Robert Simpson Woodward passed away on June 29, 1924. He died in Washington, D.C..
Legacy
Professor Woodward did a lot of research. He wrote many papers on astronomy, geodesy, and mechanics. Geodesy is the science of measuring the Earth's shape and size.
New Measuring Tools
While working for the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, he invented a new tool. It was called the "iced bar and long tape base apparatus." This tool helped measure distances on Earth. It made measurements more accurate and cost less money.
Studying the Earth
He also studied the Earth's makeup and structure. He looked at how the Earth changes its position. His work helped us understand our planet better.
See also
- Robert Simpson Woodward House
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "article name needed". New International Encyclopedia. (1905).
