Call Number:

038.002

Repository:

Science History Institute Archives

Extent:

1 linear feet (1 box; 12 print photographs)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Collection or item title, Othmer Library of Chemical History, Science History Institute..

Date:

circa 1890s-1960s (inclusive)

Creator:

Ruben, Samuel (1900-1988)

Form:

Photograph collections and Photographs

Abstract:

Black and white and color photographs of inventor Samuel Ruben, his family, and colleagues.

Samuel Ruben was born in 1900 in New York. He received no formal education beyond high school, but was a successful research scientist and inventor who contributed greatly to electrochemistry. For most of his life, he served as president of Ruben Laboratories in New Rochelle, New York. Ruben worked extensively with the Duracell Company, and is credited with revolutionizing battery technology. He invented the mercury primary cell, the dry electrolyte condenser, the rectifier tube, and flexible wire with ceramic insulation. In addition, he aided in the invention of the cardio-pacemaker, by developing an appropriate battery for the device. Ruben had a wife Rena (nee Koch) and a son Laurens. Samuel Ruben passed away in Milwaukie, Oregon in 1988.

For a more detailed inventory, please view this record in our library catalog: https://othmerlib.sciencehistory.org/record=b1075543~S6

This collection contains black and white and color photographs of Samuel Ruben, his family, and colleagues from the 1920s through approximately the 1960s. The photographs are of a personal nature, including snapshots of Ruben and his son Laurens at the beach circa 1930, Ruben with other inventors including Fred Williams and Powell Crosby Jr., and a postcard of Ruben in Venice. One photograph features Ruben in the laboratory in his later years. This collection also includes two photographs from the late nineteenth century depicting individuals whose relationships to Ruben are unclear. Several of the photographs were formerly pasted in an album; they still have some black paper adhered to the back.