State Historical Society of Iowa

Clair Patterson Interview, March 1995

 Download PDF Resource

Courtesy of California Institute of Technology Archives, Clair Patterson Interview, March 1995

Description

Clair Cameron Patterson was a geochemist born in Mitchellville, Iowa who earned degrees from Grinnell College, the University of Iowa, and the University of Chicago before spending his entire professional career at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Patterson's work resulted in the calculation of Earth's age and the discovery of man-made toxic levels of lead in the atmosphere. He became the leading voice in the fight against lead poisoning. In this interview he reflected on the honors he'd received for his groundbreaking work.

Full Transcript of Peggy Whitson's Interview

Transcribed Excerpts from Peggy Whitson's Interview

Source Dependent Questions

  • In this interview just nine months before his death, how did Clair Patterson feel about the awards and recognitions he'd received for his research and activism? Use specific evidence from the interview to support your claim.
  • Using specific evidence from the interview, make an inference about Patterson's belief about the responsibility of the scientific community and the importance of science for the world.
  • Connect this article with NASA Astronaut Peggy Whitson Returns from the International Space Station with Record-Breaking Accomplishments. Why are her accomplishments significant to the world of science and technology, especially for women in these fields?

Citation Information

Patterson, Clair. Interview by Shirley K. Cohen. Pasadena, California, March 5, 6 and 9, 1995. Oral History Project. Courtesy of California Institute of Technology Archives Courtesy of Library of Congress