Theodore H. Maiman with a ruby that was used in early laser studies in the 1960s. (Corbis Corporation)

Introduction

As a central figure in twentieth century petrochemical technology, Warren K. Lewis is widely viewed as the father of American chemical engineering. His work opened up an entirely new and powerful engineering discipline applicable across a broad range of manufacturing industries, including chemical synthesis, steel production, and power generation.

Lewis had an enormous influence on the energy industries. Along with the Russian, Vladimir Ipatieff, Lewis was pivotal in advancing petroleum refining technology. As an instructor and mentor, Lewis left his mark on three generations of chemical engineering students, many of whom entered and influenced the U.S. petroleum and petrochemical industry. As a consultant and technological innovator, Lewis directly applied his principles of chemical engineering, an essentially American development, to revamping and extending...