Richard Scott Perkin

Richard Scott Perkin (1906 – 1969) was an American entrepreneur.[1]

For those of a similar name, see Richard Perkyn and Richard Perkins (disambiguation).

At an early age he developed an interest in astronomy, and began making telescopes and grinding lenses and mirrors. He only spent a year in college studying chemical engineering before he began working at a brokerage firm on Wall Street.

During the 1930s, he met Charles Elmer when the latter was presenting a lecture. The two had a mutual interest in astronomy and decided to go into business together. In 1937, they founded Perkin-Elmer as an optical design and consulting company. Richard served as president of the company until 1960, then became chairman of the board.

The crater Perkin on the Moon was named after him, while Elmer was named after his business partner.

Perkin was married to Gladys Frelinghuysen Talmage [2] who became CEO after he died. A decade later, Gladys commissioned a commemorative history to be written. One hundred copies were printed and distributed to friends.

Further reading
  • Fahy, Thomas P., Richard Scott Perkin and the Perkin-Elmer Corporation, 1987, Perkin-Elmer Print Shop, ISBN 0-9618075-0-4.

See also

References
  1. "Perkin, Chairman of Optical Firm, Dies on Business Trip". Physics Today. 22 (7): 112. July 1969. doi:10.1063/1.3035658. Archived from the original on 2013-09-23.
  2. "Paid Notice: Deaths: PERKIN, GLADYS TALMAGE". NY Times. 1 December 2001.


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