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Set, Drafting

Object number96.68.318 a-j

Manufacturer The United States Aluminum Company

MediumAluminum; Steel; Felt; Cardboard; Leather; Paper; Print

Credit LineGift of Alcoa Corporation

DescriptionThe set is housed in a case with an outside leather cover and felt inside with moulded spaces. There are 9 instruments consisting of three ink pens, one screwdriver, three compasses and two lead holders.Dimensions5.25 x 0.75 x 9.5 in. (13.3 x 1.9 x 24.1 cm)
InscriptionsPaper label reads "The United States Aluminum Co. / Dept of Apprentice Training / New Kensington, Pa. Set #2."

Historical NotesA drafting set used by an early subsidiary of ALCOA at the New Kensington Research Lab.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.

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