1894-1972

American Chemical Engineer

Philip Drinker was a pioneer in the fields of bioengineering and industrial safety. His famous invention, the "iron lung," saved many lives, especially those afflicted with polio who could not breathe.

Born in Haverford, Pennsylvania, on December 12, 1894, Drinker received a B.S. degree from Princeton in 1915 and a degree in chemical engineering from Lehigh University in 1917. During World War I, he was sent to France to inspect the coating fabrics of airplane wings and to investigate toxic conditions in munitions plants. Returning to civilian life, he became a chemical engineer for the Buffalo Foundry and Machine Company. In 1921 he went to Harvard Medical School as an instructor in applied physiology and helped create the first industrial hygiene program at any institution.

During this time, polio affected thousands of people and caused many deaths when the lungs of those with the disease were...