Doctoral Dissertation Research in Studies in Science, Technology and Society

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Stuart M. Feffer, doctoral candidate; dissertation topic: "Academic Science and the German Optical Industry." With support from this grant, Mr. Feffer is undertaking research in the company archives of the German firm Jenoptik GmbH. His study of technical optics is focusing on several aspects of the rapidly changing relationship between science and industry during the period of the "second industrial revolution" -- the time during which industries based on technologies of the laboratory (such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, optics and electricity) became important engines of economic growth. Jenoptik is the successor to the optical firm of Carl Zeiss Jena, one of the first makers of optical technologies to successfully exploit the possibilities of scientifically directed research and development, and as such must be part of any study of the history of modern optical technology. Because of immanent reorganization, however, the Zeiss company archives will be closed to users by the end of this year and will remain closed for an indefinite period of time. The next few months represents a window of opportunity in which these materials, located in the former East Germany and for so long virtually unavailable to western researchers, may be consulted.