William Henry Wahl

Background

William Henry Wahl was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Education

After graduating from Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1867 with the degree of A. B. , he entered the University of Heidelberg, Germany, where in 1869 he received the degree of Ph. D.

Career

In 1870 he was employed upon the Journal of the Franklin Institute, and in 1871, when he became secretary of the Institute, he also became editor of the Journal.

He held both positions until 1874. He collaborated with Prof. Spencer F. Baird of the Smithsonian Institution in compiling the Annual Record of Science and Industry for the years 1873-78, was an instructor in the physical sciences at the Academy of the Protestant Episcopal Church, Philadelphia (1871 - 73), and later taught physics and physical geography at the Philadelphia Central High School (1873 - 74). From 1875 to 1876 he acted as editor of the department of arts, sciences, and patents of the American Exchange and Review.

In 1876 he became editor of the Polytechnic Review, which in 1879 was merged with the Engineering and Mining Journal. From 1880 to 1895 he was a member of the staff of the Manufacturer and Builder of New York. It was, however, as secretary of the Franklin Institute and editor of its Journal from 1882 to the time of his death that Wahl achieved distinction. During a critical period of several years in which the existence of the Institute was seriously jeopardized, he maintained the normal work of the organization, himself receiving a compensation so small as to be wholly incommensurate with his labors. Under his editorship the Journal, which had been for the most part a reprint of current scientific material, became a valuable source of original information. Nor were his literary activities confined to the congenial task of editing the Journal.

From 1880 to 1895 he was a member of the staff of the Manufacturer and Builder of New York. It was, however, as secretary of the Franklin Institute and editor of its Journal from 1882 to the time of his death that Wahl achieved distinction.

During a critical period of several years in which the existence of the Institute was seriously jeopardized, he maintained the normal work of the organization, himself receiving a compensation so small as to be wholly incommensurate with his labors. Under his editorship the Journal, which had been for the most part a reprint of current scientific material, became a valuable source of original information. Nor were his literary activities confined to the congenial task of editing the Journal.

He translated and edited a number of books relating to chemistry, metallurgy, and general science, and wrote a Report on the Light Petroleum Oils Considered as to their Safety or Danger (1873), and with W. H. Greene, "A New Process for the Manufacture of Manganese on the Commercial Scale", and "A New Method of Reducing Metallic Oxides". Among his contributions to practical and applied science, the most important was the discovery and application of aluminum as an energetic oxidizing agent for the creation of high temperatures in metallurgical operations, the basis of what is known as the "thermite process. " This was the outgrowth of an attempt to smelt or produce metallic manganese and chromium free from carbon. In order to make a receptacle or crucible containing no carbon and sufficiently refractory to withstand very high temperatures, graphite crucibles were lined with magnesite, a highly refractory magnesium mineral.

Since the temperatures obtained with ordinary coke or coal fires were insufficient to produce the reducing temperature and reaction desired, powdered or granulated metallic aluminum was mixed with the charge. The aluminum was capable of removing and appropriating the oxygen of the manganese monoxide, thus setting free the manganese, and the heat liberated by the reaction was sufficient to bring to an intense heat and liquefy the contents of the crucible. Similar results were obtained with chromite or chromic oxide, one of the most refractory minerals known. Though these processes were subsequently patented, Wahl never obtained any monetary benefit from them. He resigned his office as secretary of the Franklin Institute on January 13, 1909.

On the following March 23 he died, survived by his wife.

Achievements

• Among his contributions to practical and applied science, the most important was the discovery and application of aluminum as an energetic oxidizing agent for the creation of high temperatures in metallurgical operations, the basis of what is known as the "thermite process. " He devised his entire fortune of about eighty thousand dollars to the Franklin Institute.

Works

More photos

• book

  • Galvanoplastic Manipulations: A Practical Guide for the Gold and Silver Electroplater and the Galvanoplastic Operator; Comprising the ... the Dynamo-Electric Machine (Classic Reprint)

    (Excerpt from Galvanoplastic Manipulations: A Practical Gu...)

  • The Franklin Institute of the state of Pennsylvania for the promotion of the mechanic arts. A sketch of its organization and history

    (This book was originally published prior to 1923, and rep...)

  • The Franklin Institute of the State of Pennsylvania for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts: A Sketch of Its Organization and History

    (This book was originally published prior to 1923, and rep...)

  • Galvanoplastic Manipulations: A Practical Guide for the Gold and Silver Electroplater and the Galvanoplastic Operator ... Based Largely On the "Manipulations Hydroplastiques" of Alfred Roseleur

    ( This work has been selected by scholars as being cultur...)

  • The Journal of the Franklin Institute, Vol. 93: Devoted to Science and the Mechanic Arts; January, 1872 (Classic Reprint)

    (Excerpt from The Journal of the Franklin Institute, Vol. ...)

  • Galvanoplastic Manipulations: A Practical Guide for the Gold and Silver Electroplater and the Galvanoplastic Operator ... Based Largely on the Manip

    (This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. T...)

  • The Franklin Institute of the State of Pennsylvania for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts: A Sketch of Its Organization and History 1895

    (Originally published in 1895. This volume from the Cornel...)

Connections

On September 9, 1874, he married Julia Lowther of Seafield, County Mayo, Ireland, and after her death made her sister, Mary B. Lowther, his wife.

Father:

John H. Wahl

Mother:

Caroline R. Wahl

Spouse:

Julia Lowther

Spouse:

Mary B. Lowther

References

• Galvanoplastic Manipulations: A Practical Guide for the Gold and Silver Electroplater and the Galvanoplastic Operator ... Based Largely On the "Manipulations Hydroplastiques" of Alfred Roseleur
• Galvanoplastic manipulations A practical guide for the gold and silver electroplater and the galvanoplastic operator