Wetenschap en industrie. L.S. Ornsteins opvattingen over de toegepaste natuurkunde

Abstract

Science and Industry Ornsteins Ideas on Applied Physics The Utrecht theoretical physicist Leonard Salomon Ornstein (1880-1941) has become well-known in the Netherlands because of the attention he paid to technical research. Already shortly after he became director of the physical laboratory, an industrial representative proposed to collaborate with Ornstein to do research on heat-technology. Within a few years the technical work of the laboratory included research on insulating oils, illumination-techniques, photography and several technical subjects proposed by the Dutch government. More than 10% of the published output of the laboratory was on technical research. Ornstein offered space, materials and workers to many different corporations, while these foundations subsidized research, organized summer schools and offered Ornstein's students the opportunity to get a practical education in industrial research. He introduced a special course in technical physics in the curriculum of Utrecht Physics Department and as a result of this, four extra-ordinary professors with a teaching commitment in technical physics were established. The attention Ornstein paid to technical research emerged from a wish to make science useful to society. He was of the opinion that a scientist should not take an isolated position in the ivory tower of science, but that he should be aware of the fact that he was a part of society. The scientist had a high responsibility for the wellbeing of mankind. Obviously this technical work was also well-paid for. This opened the possibility to apply more assistants or to keep the best men and women attracted to the university. Ornstein considered it a waste for science if talented students had to leave the university after just a few years of laboratory work to spend their time teaching physics at highschool. He valued the practical education very highly because it promised to offer better perspectives for his students to get a job in science. His interest in the future possibilities of his students was one of the main reasons for his introduction of technology in the laboratory.