Chester Floyd Carlson, born in Seattle, Washington, in 1906, was a man whose invention changed the way we reproduce documents. Known for inventing xerography, Carlson's journey from a struggling young man to a successful inventor is a testament to perseverance and innovation. His work laid the foundation for the modern photocopier, impacting businesses and individuals worldwide.
Early Life and Education
Chester Carlson's early life was marked by hardship and responsibility.
His father, Olaf Adolph Carlson, suffered from tuberculosis and arthritis, which led to financial difficulties for the family. As a result, Carlson began working odd jobs at the age of eight to support his family. By the time he was in high school, he was the principal provider for his family. Despite these challenges, Carlson was determined to pursue his education.
Carlson's interest in science and technology was evident from a young age. He created a newspaper at age ten and attempted to publish a magazine for science-minded students while in high school. His fascination with the graphic arts and chemistry led him to pursue higher education. After completing a postgraduate year at San Bernardino High School, he entered Riverside Junior College, where he switched from chemistry to physics due to the influence of a favorite professor.
The Invention of Xerography
Carlson's career began at Bell Telephone Laboratories, where he worked as a research engineer and later as a patent clerk. It was during his time in the patent department that he recognized the need for a convenient way to copy documents. Existing methods were either expensive or impractical, prompting Carlson to explore alternatives.
In 1938, Carlson made a breakthrough in his apartment kitchen, creating the first xerographic copy. He used a zinc plate coated with sulfur and a glass slide with the words "10-22-38 ASTORIA" written on it. After exposing the slide to light, he transferred the image to a sheet of wax paper, marking the birth of xerography. Despite initial skepticism from companies, Carlson's invention eventually gained traction, leading to partnerships with Battelle Memorial Institute and Haloid Company.
Impact and Legacy
Carlson's invention revolutionized the document-copying industry. The Xerox 914, introduced in 1959, was the first successful commercial plain paper copier, making document reproduction fast and economical. Carlson's work not only transformed office environments but also paved the way for advancements in printing technology.
Beyond his technical achievements, Carlson was known for his philanthropy. He donated over $150 million to charitable causes and supported research in parapsychology. His dedication to improving society extended beyond his inventions, leaving a lasting legacy. Chester Carlson passed away in 1968, but his contributions continue to be celebrated, including his induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame and the establishment of Chester F. Carlson Recognition Day.
