Vannevar Bush

Overview

Vannevar Bush was a pivotal figure in 20th-century American science and technology. More than just an engineer and inventor, he was a visionary administrator who shaped the landscape of scientific research, particularly through his leadership during World War II and his advocacy for government-funded science afterwards. His influence continues to resonate today, as his ideas laid the groundwork for the internet and modern research institutions.

Main Milestones

Born in Everett, Massachusetts

March 11, 1890

Vannevar Bush was born in Everett, Massachusetts, to Perry Bush, a Universalist minister, and Emma Linwood (Paine) Bush. His early life was marked by a strong interest in tinkering and invention, laying the foundation for his future career in engineering.

Graduates from MIT

1913

Bush earned a doctorate in engineering jointly from MIT and Harvard University. This accomplishment solidified his academic credentials and prepared him for a life dedicated to scientific inquiry and technological development. His doctoral research focused on specialized railway equipment.

Joins MIT Faculty

1919

After serving in World War I researching submarine detection methods, Bush joined the faculty of MIT, where he remained for over two decades. This period was crucial for him as he innovated teaching methods and laid the foundation for his later technological achievements.

Development of the Differential Analyzer

1920s-1930s

Bush and his colleagues developed the differential analyzer, an analog computer that could solve complex differential equations. This invention was a major breakthrough in computation and provided essential support for scientific research and engineering projects, establishing Bush's reputation as a leading innovator.

President of the Carnegie Institution

1939

Bush's leadership abilities were recognized when he became President of the Carnegie Institution of Washington. This prestigious position provided him with a platform to advocate for scientific research and to influence science policy at the national level.

Director of the Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD)

1941-1945

During World War II, Bush was appointed Director of the OSRD by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In this role, he oversaw the vast expansion of American scientific research and development efforts, including the Manhattan Project, radar development, and improved medical treatments. His leadership was critical to the Allied victory.

"As We May Think" Published

1945

Bush published his seminal essay "As We May Think" in The Atlantic Monthly. In this visionary piece, he described the Memex, a hypothetical electromechanical device that prefigured the World Wide Web and personal computers. The essay had a profound impact on the development of information technology.

"Science, the Endless Frontier"

1945

Bush authored "Science, the Endless Frontier," a report to President Roosevelt that advocated for government funding of scientific research after World War II. This report led to the creation of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and shaped the modern American scientific enterprise.

Establishment of the National Science Foundation

1950

Largely due to Bush's advocacy and the roadmap laid out in "Science, the Endless Frontier," the National Science Foundation was established by Congress. This crucial organization has since become the primary federal agency supporting fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering.

Death in Belmont, Massachusetts

June 28, 1974

Vannevar Bush died in Belmont, Massachusetts, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of American science and technology. His contributions to wartime research, his vision of the Memex, and his advocacy for government support of science continue to shape the world today.