Gettysburg College - Spectrum Yearbook (Gettysburg, PA)

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PROF. EDWARD S. BREIDENBAUGH, A. M.. Sc. D

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TO, PROF. EDWARD S. BREIDENBAUGH, A. M., SC. D OUR FRIEND! AND TEACHER Whose sincere interest in Pennsylvania College is felt by enery student The 1911 Spectrum is respectfully dedicated

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Edward Swoyer Breidenbaugh, A. M., Sc. D. Edward Swoyer Breidenbaugh was born january 13, 1849, at Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. ln 1849 his parents rfeinoveil to Greeigczastle Eid i1i18g5 Ut? Gettyibuyrg. itat .eacg of tiese paces ns atier, ev. 1. rei ennaugi, 42. o crate as pastor of the Lutheran Church. Aside from attending the public schools at Greencastle, Dr. Breidenbaugh was tutored by his father, who prepared him for college. At the age of 15, in 1864, he entered Pennsylvania College. His faithful work in college was an index to his pronounced achievements in later life. During his college career he became affiliated with the Philomathean Literary Society and the 111 If A Fraternity. Dr. Breidenbaugh graduated with the Class of '68. dividing fourth honor with the late Rev. Prof. I. VV. Richard, D. D., of Gettysburg Seminary. ln the collegiate year 1868-1869, he served as tutor in Stevens Hall, then under the principalship of Rev. Prof. C. I. Ehrhart, '50. ln the autumn of 1869 he entered Gettysburg Theological Seminary, wh-ere he continued his studies for two years. At this time a serious throat trouble developed, which caused an abrupt change in the plans for his life work. He determined to enter the field of Natural Science, and accordingly became a student at the Sheffield Scientific School of Yale University, where he pursued his studies until 1873. His career at Yale was exceptionally creditable, and his devotion to his work soon attracted the attention of his teachers. At the end of his first year he was honored by an instructorship at Yale, which position he continued to occupy while connected with that institution. At the completion of his course at Yale. Dr. Breidenbaugh accepted the Professorship of the Physical and Natural Sciences at Carthage College, lllinois. His work here was destined to be short. for in june, 1874, he was compelled to resign his position owing to failing health. He recuperated and, in 1876, he entered the Faculty of Pennsylvania College, and has continued to be one of its most prominent members ever since. Cn November 20, 1874, Dr. Breidenbaugh was married to Miss lda Kitzmiller of Philadelphia. When Dr, Breidenbaugh came to Gettysburg he became the hrst incumbent of the Conrad Professorship of Chemistry and Mineralogy created by the Board of Trustees upon the resigna- tion of Prof. S, P. Sadtler, Ph. D., '67, from the chair of Physical Sciences. At the meeting of the Board in 1881, an adjustment of studies was made, and Physics was united with this department under the title The Ockerhausen Professorship of Physical Sciences. The chair remained the same until 1907, when a separate Professorship of Physics was created. Dr. Breiden- baugh's department then became known as the Oclcerhausen Pro- fessorship of Chemistry and Mineralogy and has been such since then. Under the able direction of Dr. Breidenbaugh this depart- ment has grown wonderfully. Wlith its increase in equipment and instructors it has become one of the strongest and best regu- lated departments of the College. The courses offered by Dr. Breidenbaugh cover such a wide range. that to meet the need, created by the rapid increase in the number of students taking advantage of the courses, more instructors have become neces- sary. At present Dr. Breidenbaugh is very ably assisted by Mr. C. B. Stover, A.. M.. FQ4, and Mr. J. A. Dickson, A. B.. 305. Through the inliuence of Dr. Breidenbaugh the Sciences in late years were given more attention at Gettysburg. and it was largely the result of his efforts that a regular scientihc course of four years, leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science, was introduced in 1888. Dr. Breidenbaugh is the author of a number of scientific works and has made valuable contributions to numerous scientific journals. His devotion to his work and to the best interests of the College have made him a very prominent personage about the institution. His strong personality, and excellent qualities of mind and heart have won him many friends. As a senior mem- ber of the Faculty he has always taken a keen personal interest in every student and we are exceptionally fortunate in having him as a worthy friend and noble example.