Abel Wolman
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| Abel Wolman | |
| Born | June 10, 1892 Baltimore, Maryland USA |
|---|---|
| Died | February 22, 1989 |
| Residence | Baltimore, Maryland USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Fields | sanitary engineering. |
| Institutions | Johns Hopkins University |
| Alma mater | Johns Hopkins University |
| Known for | standardized the methods used to chlorinate drinking-water |
| Notable awards | National Medal of Science, Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement |
Abel Wolman (born June 10, 1892 - died February 22, 1989) was an American inventor, scientist, professor and pioneer of modern sanitary engineering. His work in supplying clean water to the world spanned eight decades.
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[edit] Background
Wolman was born, grew up, was educated, lived and died in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from the Baltimore City College in 1909, got a B.A. from the Johns Hopkins University in 1913 and then a B.S. in engineering from Hopkins in 1915. From 1914 to 1939, Wolman worked for the Maryland State Department of Health, serving as Chief Engineer from 1922 to 1939. It was during his early years there that he made his most important contribution. Working in cooperation with chemist Linn Enslow, he standardized the methods used to chlorinate Baltimore's drinking-water supply. His efforts there helped develop the plan for Baltimore's water supply so thoroughly and effectively that it remains well-provided for growth through the 21st century. His work also benefited water systems in New York, Detroit and Columbus, Ohio.
Wolman taught for many years on the faculty of Johns Hopkins University, where he established the Department of Sanitary Engineering in 1937. He served as the department's chairman until his official retirement in 1962. [1] In May, 1966 the university named a newly-acquired dormitory Wolman Hall in his honor.[2]
In 1986, the City of Baltimore renamed its public works building, the Abel Wolman Municipal Building, honoring his years of service to the city. [1] Today, the Abel Wolman building is where citizens of Baltimore come to pay their property taxes, parking fines and metered water bills.[1]
Wolman's son, M. Gordon "Reds" Wolman, is an eminent geomorphologist who is currently on the faculty of Johns Hopkins University.[3]
[edit] List of Honors
- Albert Lasker Public Service Award, 1960
- National Medal of Science, 1974
- Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, 1976
[edit] References
- ^ a b Abel Wolman Award, American Public Works Association
- ^ Wolman Hall, JHU Campus Tour
- ^ Reds Wolman: From cows to pebble counts, Geotimes, May 2004.
