Hydraulicians in the USA 1800-2000: A biographical dictionary of leaders in hydraulic engineering and fluid mechanics (IAHR Monographs)

This book provides 1-page short biographies of scientists and engineers having worked in the areas of hydraulic engineering and fluid dynamics in the USA. On each page, a notable individual is highlighted by: (1) Exact dates and locations of birth and death; (2) Educational and professional details, including also awards received; (3) Reasons for inclusion in the book by highlighting key publications; (4) Short bibliography including both individual’s own, and source literature such as Who’s Who details, or origination details of the portrait; (5) In most cases, an illustrative portrait or photo showing, for example, a book cover of the individual, or photograph of a typical work such as a dam or a canal.

This volume includes almost 1,000 individuals, of which there are only 2 women. The book also provides a detailed Index, and a 2-page list of individuals (normally born in Europe) listed in previous volumes (1 and 2), but having a relation to this volume 3. The book also contains a map of the USA highlighting the major American rivers, with a close relation to projects carried out by several of the individuals presented in the book.

This book provides a beautiful overview of the many scientists and engineers having contributed to the current knowledge in hydraulic engineering and fluid mechanics. The author made every effort in compiling the most important hydraulicians of the USA in this work as it will become much more difficult in future decades to find biographical details on these, given the current policy that so few memoirs or necrologues are published.