University of Pittsburgh - Owl Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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DEPARTMENTAL HEADS The first major group of departments includes the natural sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Mathematics, which work in close cooperation with the Mellon Institute in the development of new technological processes and products. Pittsburgh’s department of Chemistry has long been internationally famous for the noted research men on its staff. Doctor Charles G. King has done much food research work and was the first to isolate Vitamin C. Doctor Alexander Silverman, head of the department, is widely known as a glass expert. Doctor Alexander Lowy’s work in the field of organic chemistry has won him widespread acclaim, as has Doctor Abraham Robinson's work in the ion-electron theory of chemical combination. Doctor Otto H. Jennings, head of the biology department, is well-known for his fine work, as is Doctor (C n nJ Next Pay) Walter Read Hovey, Head of the Pint Arts Department Dr. O. E. Jf.nninos, Head of tlx Depart• went of Biology Dr. Manuel Conrad Elmer, Head i tlx Department of Sociology Dr. Elmer D. Graper, Head of the I partment of Political Science 27

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DEPARTMENTAL HEADS lexasdrr Silver mas, Head of the 'rtment of Ohm is try s Dam bach, Director of Physical ion Ions Lei• Holcombe, Head of tary Department Hutchissos, Head of the De-f Physics Acting as a corporate whole, the University of Pittsburgh is nevertheless dependent upon the activities of its various parts for its successful functioning. Ranging down through the administrative management from the Chancellor and the Provost through the schools, activities finally center in the departments, each of which represents a particular field of study. The departments, however, arc not the definite division of knowledge into specific fields, for many departments arc intcr-dcpcndcnt, and many arc in turn subdivided in interest and activity. As a result, certain departments fall into natural groupings, and these groupings provide the fundamental divisions of knowledge; the social sciences, the natural sciences, and the humanities, arc all represented in rhe average course required for graduation 26

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Dr. John W. Oliver, lead of tin Dt-pint UK nr of Hr (lory Dr. Wiiitiord H. Shelton, Head of tbt Department of Foreign languages Karl D. Swartzel, Head of the Department of Mathematics Mr. Theodore A. Sikdlb Assistant Dean of the School of Education ADVANCEMENTS IN FIELDS OF SCIENCE, ART, MUSIC, AND LANGUAGES Samuel H. Williams. The physics department, under the direction of Doctor Oswald Blackwood, and the mathematics department, under the fine leadership of Mr. K. D. Swartzel, have been doing more than their share in keeping Pitt at the top in all the sciences. Seldom recognized as such, hut also a part of the University’s natural science department, the Allegheny Observatory is among the foremost astronomical research institutions. Under the leadership of Doctors Frank Jordan and Kcivin Burns, the Observatory is constantly mapping more of the sky with its thirty-inch photographic refractor, the largest of its type in the world. In the field of languages, Pitt's English department under Mr. Pcrcival Hunt, has earned the reputation of having one of the best Freshman English courses to be found in the country. The Modern Language Department, under Doctor Whitford H. Shelton, includes French, German, Spanish and Italian. Lately installed in lavish studios on the seventh floor of the Cathedral, the Fine Arts Department docs work which is entirely in keeping with its physical environment. Mr. Walter Hovcy has been doing laudable work as acting head of this department. The work of the music department, under Mr. Theodore Finney has been given generous praise and encouragement by music critics. Recitals, concerts and music at University gatherings is the best evidence of the proficiency and popularity of the Glee Club, the band and the orchestra. 28