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Burner

Object number95.78.85

Manufacturer Fisher Scientific Company (founded 1925)

Date1939

MediumSteel; Paint

Credit LineGift of Byron Forrester Meyer, Jr.

DescriptionSteel Fisher burner with circular base. A silver horizontally protruding valve attached to side of base, and a vertical cylindrical burner attaches to center of base. Circular opening at top of burner, with waffle design top covering opening. Embossed text around bottom edge of burner.Dimensions7.5 in. (19.1 cm)
MarksEmbossed along side of base: "Fisher Burner. PAT'D. JAN 1913. 1924. MADE IN USA."
Historical NotesFisher Burner used by Byron F. Meyer, Sr., a chemist, who worked at Mellon Institute in the 1920s and 1930s.Label TextAndrew and R.B. Mellon sought to unite business and academia. To improve their business interests, the Mellon brothers brought chemist Robert Duncan to Pittsburgh in 1906 through the invitation of University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Samuel B. McCormick. This partnership produced the Mellon Institute, a research facility that linked academia and industry. Other Mellon financed companies, such as Alcoa, followed suit and opened research and development departments. As the 20th century progressed, those companies that emphasized research had an increased chance at success. George Westinghouse understood this, his on-going battle with Thomas Edison over the development of electrical current and other scientific inquiries reinforced the importance of R&D. The Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company’s extensive research into the Mazda incandescent lamp (light bulbs) is displayed in the journal of employee R.L. Hunt.

Previous owner Byron F. Meyer Sr.

Related institution Carnegie Mellon University

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