December 1967 F. W. Reichelderfer 81 5
ROSS GUNN-THE SCIENTIST AND THE INDIVIDUAL
F. W. REICHELDERFER
Washington, D.C.
In a talk to naval architects and marine engineers at
the Naval Research Laboratory, Bellevue, D.C., in 1938
Ross Gunn (fig. 1) had occasion to characterize the ideal
research physicist. In fairness he hastened to explain that
he did not know anyone who measured up to the “ideal”
and never expected to meet one who does! But the words
reflect the standards set by Gunn as a scientist. He said
“the scientist should be distinguished by intelligence and
firm grounding in the fundamentals of physics, chemistry,
and engineering. He should be especially keen in estimating
situations and reaching sound decisions. His judgment
and perspective should be such that he can give his talents
systematic direction. He should be an original thinker. . .
exceptional in his ability to plan, think, and do things
without being told. He should have the courage of his
convictions, yet not be blinded by them. He should
constantly seek the truth. He should be especially successful
in working harmoniously with others toward a common
end.”
portant but family “administration” was liberal and there
were good mutual understanding and easy communication,
each member of the family with the others.
Life and career for Ross Gunn unfolded logically as
comprised of four rather distinct periods:
1. The years 1897-1927, naturally the time for growing
up, getting an education and a beginner’s experience.
2. From age 30, the years 1927-47 at the Naval Re-
search Laboratory (NRL) as research physicist, divisions
superintendent, and technical advisor to the Director.
3. The decade (1947-1957) a t the U.S. Weather Bureau,
Washington, D.C., as Director of Physical Research,
acting Assistant Chief of Bureau (1955-56), and director
of field experiments in cloud physics (the mine-shaft
laboratory, the helium sphere, and others).
4. The final years (1957-1966) of individual researches
mostly as Research Professor a t the American University,
As for Gunn personally he appeared to place emphasis
for himself on three qualities not uncommon among
scholars, scientists, and men of good principles in general,
namely-creative thinking, devotion to truth, and hard
work. In Gunn the visible features that distinguished
him and caused others to remember him after a first
meeting were a healthy and wholesome appearance;
a friendly, direct, and decisive manner; and a purposeful
air. Usually he was frank, sometimes quite outspoken,
but not talkative or unkind. On occasion he would quip,
“Well, it’s the TRUTH, isn’t it?” to remind anyone who
seemed to be overlooking the facts or hinting that the
truth might be unpleasant or personally impolitic.
As for hard work he expressed his belief in this tradi-
tional virtue when he wrote on the flyleaf of a gift copy of
Men and Decisions [l] :
“To my beloved son, Robert Burns Gunn
With Best Christmas Wishes, 1962
‘The Lord gave us two ends; one to think with
and the other to sit on.
Success will depend on which end you really exercise.
It’s a case of-Heads you win; Tails you lose!’
Love, Pop”
This was not an isolated show of admonition and affec-
tion. The family-parents and four sons-was a busy and
happy one, each member with a sense of responsibility in
life. There was no trifling with matters of good principle.
Righteous conduct and useful, purposeful living were im- FIGURE 1.-Dr. Ross Gunn, 1897-1966. (Photo about 1955.)
81 6 MONTHLY WEATHER REVIEW Vol. 95, No. I2
Washington, D.C., working on problems of his selection,
sponsored in part by the Atomic Energy Commission, the
National Science Foundation, and others. ,
1. THE YEARS 1897-1927
Born May 12, 1897, in Cleveland, Ohio, Gunn 50 years
later mote that his boyhood “was a busy and happy one,
constantly stimulated and encouraged by my father whom
I adored.” He was only 7 years old when his father, Dr.
R. D. A. Gunn, transferred family and medical practice
to neighboring Oberlin. There Ross grew up and went
through the 12 years of public school, completing the
courses in Oberlin High School in 1915. He studied at
Oberlin College for 2 years and then went to the Univer-
sity of Michigan to have the advantages of improved
facilities in electrical engineering. His success with amateur
radio operation had led to his decision to get further into
studies of electricity. He graduated at Michigan in 1920
with the degree B.S.E.E., and went ahead in graduate
work in physics. The following year an M.S., in physics,
was his, and he then planned to continue right on at the
University of Michigan until he had completed require-
ments for Ph.D. But other considerations intervened.
Nature and experience together inclined Gunn toward
a career in science, in particular, atmospheric physics in a
broad sense and somewhat related phenomena in astron-
omy and geophysics. He credited his forebears with some
of the qualities that may make a scientist-courage,
originality, persistence, love of truth, and discernment.
No doubt during his sapling years the pruning influence
of parents, family life, and the fairly quiet college town
environment were all important.
ROSS’ father and mother were of sturdy stock from
Scotland and England. Their close family ties were evi-
dent in the reunion of “decendants of John Burns’’ at the
home of Dr. R. D. A. Gunn, mho was the organizer and
principal speaker for the family gathering of 65 relatives
and their immediate families in Oberlin in 1925. Their
pioneer forefathers in Pennsylvania and two still earlier
sires who distinguished themselves as colonels in the
Revolutionary War serving “directly under General
Washington,” one later becoming a Brigadier General,
were favorite subjects of informal talks at the reunion.
Lora Conner Gunn, mother of Ross, was born of pros-
perous parents near Cumberland, Ohio, and had the
rather unusual distinction in those days (1880’s) of having
finished 2 years of college (Waynesburg, Pa.) before she
married R. D. A. Gunn. Six children mere born-twins
who died at birth, a boy and a girl older than Ross, and a
younger boy. Probably this family and other cares that
came with being the wife of a busy, popular, and success-
ful physician in a small city were full-time vocation for
Ross’ mother.
Of Ross’ father the Wuynesburg College Bulletin in
March 1936 stated among other things: “The stimulus of
these sweeping changes (in the conduct of alumni affairs
of the college) began with the speech of Dr. Gunn (father)
before the Alumni Association 2 years ago, and was in-
tensified by his noble work of last year in fostering the
alumni birthday gift project.” That issue of the Bulletin
was dedicated to R. D. A. Gunn, alumnus, Class of ’84
(h4.D. from Western Reserve Medical College about
1887-88), who had died in June 1935. The Oberlin News-
Tribune for June 7, 1935, published a long account of his
life as “dean of local physicians” and an editorial in the
same paper praised his many years of dedicated and un-
selfish service to the community as its leading medical
doctor. The editorial placed emphasis on several charac-
teristics which are of interest in the present Memorial
Issue in view of the influence they must have had on
Ross during his youth a t home. After eulogizing R. D. A.
Gunn for “fine qualities and generous spirit” during 30
years of medical practice in Oberlin and adjoining town-
ships, the editorial went on: “His cheery smile and good
humor went hand in hand with his professional skill. He
did not hesitate to give his services at any time of day or
night whether it was for poor folks or for those able to
reimburse him. . . . He had a deep sense of responsi-
bility to his community, to his church, and to other civic
activities. His enthusiasm for social benefit did not mane
through the years. . . . He implanted a spirit of love of
truth and helpfulness to those about him.” The paternal
influence and the college atmosphere of Oberlin certainly
took root among the four children. All became college
graduates ; three including Ross earned advanced degrees,
the elder brother in law, and the sister in medicine.
In some ways the subjects selected for keeping in a
personal scrapbook may reveal more about the individual
than the printed statements in clippings. Ross Gunn’s
scrapbook seems not to have been a hobby nor an expres-
sion of pride but rather was part of his life as a scientist,
that is, a recording of essential facts. Naturally it contains
a few items of indulgence to pride, but not many.
As regards ancestry he apparently neither overrated
nor neglected hereditary elements in the makeup of an
individual. He was always ready to speak out for the
virtues often ascribed to his ancestors from Scotland, their
sturdy nature in physique and spiritual outlook, their
reputation for honesty and straightforwardness, in a
word-the tenacious devotion to pure truth. Another trait
sometimes associated with Scotchmen is implied in a sort
of epigram also glued to the inside front cover of Gunn’s
scrapbook. Likely it was placed there in a puckish moment
but it nevertheless conveys a message of one of his mores.
Opposite a small drawing of a thistle and a Scotch terrier
are the words: “The Scottie Speaks-The thistle, Lad, is
Scotch like you and me, And none may sit on any of us
three” (by Guiterman and Twelvetrees, publication
unknown).
More to the point of youthful indications of the career
Ross Gunn would select is a snapshot (fig. 2) of his radio
workbench and apparatus captioned, “ROSS Gunn (age 14)
with homemade ‘wireless’.’’ He is seated at the bench
wearing earphones, pencil and pad at hand ready to write
messages. The photo is placed above the Scottie skit.
Beside it is a curious and much later clipping from Science
News Letter (Science Service), January 2, 1932, on “Mental
Ability Increased after Period of Fasting.” It summarized
December 1967 F. W. Reichelderfer 81 7
FIGURE 2.-Ross Gunri (age 14) with honie-made “nirelcsr.”
a report to the American Association for Advancement of
Science on experiments made by two psychologists of
Kansas State Teachers College. No faddist, Gunn’s in-
terest in the item probably mas limited to its usefulness
as a reminder that diet bears a relation to clear thinking,
at least sometimes. The two items, the epigram and clip-
ping on mental ability, are the only extraneous bits that
appear in the 175-200 pages of the 8 X 14-inch scrapbook.
It is crowded with clippings on technical devices, scientific
studies, and research results, many press clippings, a fern
copies of official letters and similar papers, practically all
relating to Gunn’s career. The wholly personal or family
items in the scrapbook are few.
Except for occasional times during summer vacations
from school when he served as boy newspaper carrier
and as repairman’s helper in a bicycle shop, Gunn’s
teenage interests and activities seem to have been cen-
tered around radio-telegraphy. This was neither surpris-
ing nor unusual. In the 1910’s the new field of “wireless”
was to young men the mysterious frontier and career
challenge that astronautics and outer space are today.
What was unusual in Gunn’s involvement in radio
mas that he was so successful in building and operating
his own “radiotelegraph set” he soon received a special
experimental license from the Federal Government and
was recognized as the outstanding amateur in this field
throughout northern Ohio. He set up radio communica-
tion with other amateurs and at one time or another
exchanged messages through the receiver/transmitter he
built, with stations in almost every state east of the
Rockies. This success and the recognition he enjoyed
in 1915 mostly through the experimental station licensed
by the Government led Gunn to concentrate on science
fundamentals offered at Oberlin College during his 2
years of undergraduate work there and then to choose
the University of Michigan for electrical engineering in
his junior and senior years.
After war was declared in 1917 Gunn had enlisted
as a private in the Army Signal Corps. Later when called
to active duty his special qualifications in radio logically
resulted in a billet for continuing him at the University
of Michigan as instructor in basic theory and operation
of radiotelegraphy for student officers. His talent for
teaching and the shortage in number of qualified instruc-
tors in radio soon got him a place on special status with
the University teaching staff.
At different times during his college years he had taken
temporary jobs-probably for the most part during sum-
mer vacations. In one of these he was chief radio operator
on the large passenger ship SEEandBEE which operated
on the Great Lakes. At another time he was a radio
research assistant in the Cleveland plant of the Glenn
Martin Aircraft Company. There he experimented with
radio direction finding and telephony for aircraft. Expe-
rience in these jobs added to qualifications and reputation
in his special field of electrical engineering.
Although experimenting had long been both hobby and
part-time vocation, he once wrote that his ‘(first investi-
gative job” grew from suggestions he made to Professor
Benjamin F. Bailey, Head of the Electrical Engineering
Department a t Michigan. As a result Gunn designed a
generator with rotating magnetic field in polyphase circuit.
This prototype, used in classroom lectures for many years,
encouraged Gunn toward more research in magnetism
and high frequency electricity. Principally as a result
of his admiration for the work of Professor Bailey and his
associations with him and with Professor H. M. Randall,
head of the Physics Department, Gunn decided in 1920
to take up advanced studies in physics. The income
from a part-time instructorship enabled him to finance
his living expenses. He conducted recitations in engineer-
ing physics and supervised students in the laboratory.
Years later he wrote that he enjoyed teaching and got
much satisfaction in seeing the growth of knowledge of
science in his students. At the same time he continued
his graduate studies and laboratory experiments on high
frequency power obtained by use of quenched sparks.
The research sought to develop a high power radio-
telephone.
Gunn obtained his master’s degree in physics in 1921
and went on through 1922 as graduate student and part-
time instructor at Michigan, fully intending to complete
requirements for a Ph.D. But, according to his biograph-
ical notes, he “grew restless after 2 years of graduate
work” and decided to accept an offer by the military
aviation laboratory at McCook Field, Dayton, Ohio, as
aircraft radio research engineer. There he had a part in
developing the radio range, still widely used as an aid
to aircraft navigation, and incidentally he flew on many
of the first cross-country test flights “on ins.truments.”
He also contributed in developing radio devices for
control of pilotless aircraft, his design being used subse-
quently for Navy “drones” in target practice with anti-
aircraft batteries, Gunn’s work at McCook Field was
the basis for several U.S. patents. (See titles in the list
published on page 826 of this issue.)
“Recognizing that I needed further training and that I
had been hasty in abandoning my chance for a Ph.D., a t
Michigan, I resigned from . . . (the laboratory at 34c-
Cook Field) . . . and accepted a job as instructor in
81 8 MONTHLY WEATHER REVIEW Vol 95, No. 12
engineering physics at Yale University” Gunn wrote in
his notes many years later. So, after about 18 months as
a radio research engineer he again took up work as an
instructor and graduate student in physics, this time at
Yale in the autumn of 1923. Although the break in his
graduate studies set him back a few years in academics
he said that the associations formed during those years
and the experience and perspective gained were more
valuable to him in personal satisfaction and career rela-
tionships than anything he could have anticipated or
acquired otherwise. During 4 years as instructor a t Yale
he worked closely with Professors John Zelemy and
Leigh Page in the Physics Department and he credits
them with stimulating and influencing him for many
years. He was an excellent instructor. During his final
year at Yale he was placed in charge of the high frequency
laboratory of the Physics Department. While at Yale
(1923-1927) Gunn experimented in engineering physics,
mainly in electrical devices relating to air navigation and
radio communications. His dissertatior. on “Three New
Methods in Electrical Measurements” submitted to Yale
in 1926 and his 3 years of graduate study and original
research earned him the Ph.D. degree. He remained at
Yale for approximately 1 more year as instructor and
research physicist. That the 4 years (1923-27) there yere
busy and productive is shown by the titles of published
papers and patents listed on pages S21-826 of this issue.
If space taken in preceding paragraphs for reciting
Gunn’s early occupations and family antecedents appears
to be disproprotionate with what follows on his mature
years there seems to be good reason. This memoir seeks
to bring the scientist and the individual into true per-
spective as regards his work and the lasting recognition
it merits. Any man whose work comes to public attention
and who holds to his beliefs when the facts support them
encounters opponents as well as supporters especially
when his work may incidentally affect the ambitions of
others. So Gunn had his critics-this is rather well known.
But he has strong support from associates who believe
that most of the criticism directed at him was a result
of misunderstanding, sometimes misrepresentation or
ignorance of what he actually thought and did. Gunn’s
nature did not make him inclined to waste time in “ex-
plaining” to critics. He hoped the facts would speak for
themselves and in such matters he preferred to remain
silent. This was being faithful to the ancestral traits he
respected. Accordingly the review of his early family life
and upbringing is helpful in understanding some of the
problems he encountered later, and the decisions he made.
Moreover, most of his later activities and accomplish-
ments are reflected in the bibliography of his published
papers (pp. 821-826) and in the citation of his work in other
articles in this issue. I n the succeeding sections 2, 3, and
4, it is intended to record chiefly those more individual
aspects not likely to be printed elsewhere.
I n 1923 before going to Yale, Gunn had fallen in love
with Gladys J. Rowley, whose father was a physician.
She was a graduate of Oberlin College. They were mar-
ried in September 1923. Their four children-“the boys”-
are Ross Jr. (born 1925), Leigh (1930), Charles (1934),
and Robert Burns (1939). The special place of home and
family in Gunn’s life both as scientist and as an indi-
vidual is signified all too briefly in later paragraphs. His
home was, in fact, his workshop for many important
experiments-he kept a laboratory in the basement of
his home-and family members frequently doubled as
technicians to record data or assist in operating some
piece of apparatus.
2. TWO DECADES IN THE NAVAL RESEARCH
LABORATORY (1927-1947)
Gunn took a position as research physicist at the
Naval Research Laboratory, Bellevue, D.C., expecting
to stay not longer than 3 years at most. He took office in
August 1927; he transferred to the U.S. Weather Bureau
in February 1947 although the Director, NRL, and
associates urged him t o remain. They offered to set aside
more time for his research in atmospheric physics and
relieve him of much of his supervisory work, but by 1947
he had identsed certain basic problems in the physics of
clouds and precipitation that he wanted to solve and he
concluded the best available and logical place was in the
Weather Bureau.
His remarkable success at NRL is seen in the special
positions given him and in certain official papers. Pro-
moted to be Assistant Superintendent of the Heat and
Light Division in 1928, he was made Superintendent of
the Mechanics and Electricity Division in 1933 and con-
currently Technical Advisor to the Director for the entire
research program of NRL. In 1944 the position of Super-
intendent of the Aircraft Electrical Research Division
was added to his supervisory responsibilities. He also had
the usual special assignments, membership in interagency
committees, responsibility for the technical library, etc.,
that go with positions as head of divisions in large labora-
tories. He directed these major research activities until
1946 when he asked to be relieved so he would have more
time for individual research. Apropos Gunn’s accomplish-
ments as organizer and supervisor as well as research
scientist, the Director of NRL in April 1935 \\-rote
privately to the ne\\- director-elect describing the scope
and importance of Gunn’s position. The note \\-as written
under circumstances that make it practically certain to
have been a simple statement of facts as the Director
saw them with no gratuitous motives. After describing
the responsibilities and Gunn’s work in very commenda-
tory terms the note went on: “. . . you will find hini
(Gunn) a very level-headed advisor on practically any
subject that will arise about the scientific work (of the
entire Laboratory). He is one of the ablest scientists . . .
is comparatively young and full of ‘go’.” Among other
commendations during his years a t NRL the citation
presented to Gunn on September 4, 1945, by Secretarx
of the Navy Forrestal said in part (it was a long citation
with joint credit to Dr. Philip Abelson and Dr. Gunn for
development of a method for separation of the isotopes
of uranium) :
NAVY DISTINGUISHED CIVILIAN SERVICE
AWARD
December 1967 F. W. Reichelderfer 81 9
“For exceptionally distinguished service to the United
States Navy in the field of scientific research and in
particular by reason of his outstanding contribution
in the development of the atomic bomb.”
(Here the 1 l-line paragraph on uranium isotopes.)
“For his untiring devotion to this most urgent project.
Dr. Gunn has distinguished himself in a manner
richly deserving of the Navy’s highest civilian award,”
The promptness with which this award was given
shortly after the first atomic bomb was dropped implies
long-standing recognition of Gunn’s role. The Laboratory
raised his salary to the top level and tried, unsuccessfully,
to obtain authority from the Secretary of the Navy to
raise it $2,000 above the statutory limit.
Without repeating here the titles of papers and patents
that represent Gunn’s many research activities, it is
germane to record that science news media and the daily
press published many articles featuring the aircraft
altimeter, electrometer, inductor compass, and other
instruments he invented; also his theories on the origin
of terrestrial magnetism, the earth and solar system,
atmospheric electricity, the source of the sun’s heat, the
formation of mountains, and related subjects. Especially
durinlg the 1930’s his theories gave him international as
well as nation-wide recognition. Some of his work relating
closely to military problems at NRL was classified but
eventually most of his original results were cleared for
publication.
Two of his accomplishments during the years at NRL
are recalled here. These are the precipitation static
research project (1943-1946) and the atomic submarine
proposal (1939). The one probably gave him the most
satisfaction of any single project in his research career;
the other led to considerable controversies that involved
his work.
The Army-Navy Precipitation Static Project offered
most of the circumstances that a scientist finds attractive
in research-a phenomenon in nature not understood and
of considerable importance theoretically and practically
(aircraft had been lost as result of radio “blackouts” in
snowstorms), adequate supporting staff and facilities,
pleasing environment to work in, and almost complete
freedom and independence in planning and operating.
The research was based near Minneapolis. It verified that
the sudden interruptions to aircraft communications were
a result of brush discharges of “static” accumulated on
the air-frame in flight. The static discharger now visible
on many planes as foot-long tassels trailing from the rear
edge of the wing is lasting memorial to Gunn’s solution.
The Flight Safety Foundation, the Navy Bureau of
Aeronautics, and others published glowing commenda-
tions for his accomplishment.
An important part of his position at NRL during the
1930’s had been theory and experimentation for develop-
ing improved means of propulsion for naval vessels,
especially for submarines. Many possibilities were studied.
For more than 20 years previously the phenomenal energy
locked in the atom had been a subject of much interest
/si JAMES FORRESTAL
to physicists. In March 1939 Gunn attended a small
conference in which Fermi described a possible way to
split the atom and obtain part of its energy for practical
use. With Fermi’s exposition Gunn immediately urged
naval authorities to develop and apply the method to
submarine propulsion. I n conferences and by letter he
pushed the proposal with enthusiasm and vigor. He was
the first to obtain funds and do research in atomic energy
within the U.S. Government. He appears to have coined
the term “atomic submarine.” Later Dr. Philip Abelson
joined the staff at NRL and together Abelson and Gunn
not only developed the method for separation of uranium
isotopes for which they received the Navy’s highest
civilian citation but also they worked out the principles
and the practical steps for applying nuclear power to
propulsion of submarines. Apparently they had all of
the prerequisites for eventually becoming a t least the
“grandfathers” of the successful atomic submarine except
official authorization to proceed with the development
after they had completed the initial steps. Wartime exi-
gencies led to transfer of atomic research to Oak Ridge
and elsewhere and placed the epochal achievement into
other hands.
As recently as 1964 a member of Congress introduced
a draft joint resolution to give recognition to Abelson and
Gunn without detracting in any way from the prestige
of the great achievers who came after them and were
given the opportunity to complete the gigantic task of
producing the operating atomic submarine. The last
clipping Gunn pasted in his scrapbook is the account
published in the Washington Post on June 10, 1964,
describing opposition to the proposed Congressional
resolution. References [2], [3], and [4] cite documentary
proof of the recognition due Abelson and Gunn. Despite
this and other normal frustrations that were bound to
come to Gunn during his years at NRL, they were his
most exciting and productive and probably to him
personally, the most gratifying years of his life.
3. DECADE AT THE WEATHER BUREAU (1947-1957)
The transfer from NRL to the Washington head-
quarters of the U.S. Weather Bureau in February 1947
was Gunn’s idea. He wanted to work on fundamental
questions he had found over the years in his many experi-
ments in atmospheric physics. He wanted the research
environment usually associated with a university, an
ideal which he knew the Bureau strongly upheld in policy
and in practice. Also he knew the head of the Bureau a t
that time, an acquaintance dating back to experiments
together in measurements of atmospheric electricity from
observations aboard airships (dirigibles, etc.) based at
Lakehurst, N.J. But his years in the Weather Bureau
turned out to be other than tranquil. They were remark-
ably productive for him but his work became subject to
controversy about artificial cloud nucleation (ACN)-
rain-making, so-called. From the beginning of his time
with the Bureau he much preferred to use full time for
basic research in cloud physics and related matters, and
at various times he tried resolutely to withdraw com-
8 20 MONTHLY WEATHER REVIEW Vol. 9 5 , No. 12
pletely into his fundamental research and invention. He
felt that an understanding of precipitation mechanisms
natural or otherwise, required basic research.
When he planned to organize and enlarge research in
atmospheric physics at the Weather Bureau, Gunn had
in mind a relatively modest establishment of staff and
facilities. In his planning and budgeting he was habitually
realistic. He always evidenced a good sense of accounta-
bility for public funds and he periodically volunteered
reports of status and progress in programs for which he
had responsibility. After a fairly generous beginning in
appropriations for Gunn’s organization, subsequent
funding for his research had t o come from what the
Bureau could squeeze out of its general appropriations.
He sometimes remarked that in view of the bearing of
his research on the fundamentals of how precipitation is
produced in nature and the hoped-for application of such
knowledge to improved accuracy in weather forecasting,
1 perhaps even to some sort of weather modification,
he could not understand why funding for fundamental
research was so inadequate while appropriations for
services for uncertain weather forecasting were so generous.
Despite serious problems in funding and employing
those he selected for the research staff, a difficulty that
came chiefly from the limitations on salaries he could
offer, Gunn established the nucleus of an institute of
physical research in atmospheric science and went on to
achieve several highly creditable “firsts” during 1947-
1957. The record of these is to be found in this issue in
the bibliography of papers he published (pp. 821-826) and
i n articles by other authors who cite his work. His findings
in the mechanics of electrical charges on cloud droplets
and of condensation and coalescence into rain-drops;
his theory of the origin of atmospheric electricity; his
writings on air pollution, isostasy, and other geophysical
subjects; his inventions (see p. 826) and his resource-
fulness and scientific and executive ability shonn in ACN
field tests and in utilization of the mine shaft in Arizona,
the large helium storage sphere (fig. 3) in Texas, arid the
main Laboratory in the Weather Bureau, Washington,
A further comment on the ACN episode is justified.
Gunn was drawn into the practical sector of this matter,
outside his basic research plans, as result of iirging by the
then Chief of Bureau. Gunn reluctantly accepted the
proposal that he head the field testing of cloud seeding in
Ohio. He eventually looked upon this assignment as a
public duty to assist in clearing up tlhe widely published
claims t o “rain-making” in large amounts by seeding
the clouds. When the first reports of the spectaciilar
effects of dry ice and silver iodide scattered on certain
forms of clouds were announced in 1946 and 1947 the
Weather Bureau hailed the disccrery as beginning a nen
era i n experimental meteorology. But after several
months’ revieiv of some of the highly speculative claims
:i siimmary statement was adopted by the Bureau em-
phasizing the importance of much more research in the
basic natural conditions inrolved in condensation of
moisture in the free air and precipitation of rain, snow,
1
I
I
~
I
,
I D.C., are marks of a great scientist.
I
FIGURE 3.-Giant cloud chamber laboratory (former helium gas
storage sphere) near Hitchcock, Texas (about 1953).
etc. The statement urged that the research be vigorously
pushed in order to determine the true possibilities of
artificial nucleation of clouds in view of the very great
practical benefits that might result and advibed that
many of the “rain-making” claims then being ~)iiblisIied
might be premature. It was pointed o u t thnt the (.lain\,
were almost wholly without scientific verificntioii. l‘hc
statement brought violent criticism.
Gunn set about the field tests in a scientific way. His
experiments in Ohio, supported by U.S. Air Force,
Weather Bureau, and other government agencies, were
the first of the kind ever performed anywhere under syste-
matic procedures and with reasonably scientific controls
for correlating times of seeding, occurrence of precipita-
tion, etc. One morning early in the field test program Gunn
phoned headquarters in Washington that he thought he
had succeeded in “making a moderately heavy shower,”
but later after a time analysis of events had been made he
reported that the shower had started before the cloud was
seeded and may not have had any relation to the seeding.
The incident was significant. In meteorology erroneous
conclusions-the so-called “post hoc” error-are not un-
common. Other illustrations are the Savannah hurricane
episode and the Florida seabreeze incident. After the tests
in Ohio Gunn was requested to conduct tests in California
under orographic conditions somewhat similar to warm
front phenomena. Later, in Alabama and Louisiana flight
tests in seeding tropical cumulus clouds were made. The
results are documented in Gunn’s published reports.
He sought the facts-the truth-and his careful tests
did not confirm the claims of many rain-makers. His con-
clusions and the earlier statement by the Weather Bureau
are in substantial agreement with the findings of an inde-
pendent panel of scientists acting through the National
Academy of Sciences more than a decade later [5, 61.
Having reached his conclusions on rain-making, Gunn
returned in the early 1950’s to basic research in cloud
physics as the proper approach to unraveling the complex-
ity of problems associated with precipitation.
December 1967 F. W. Reichelderfer 821
4. RESEARCH PROFESSOR, 1958-1 966
In 1957 Gunn decided that he had accomplished much of
what he had planned when he came to the Bureau. He
wanted more time for his work in certain problems in
atmospheric physics and he also wanted time to develop
the aircraft approach and landing system which he had
visualized. He looked ahead eagerly to many more years
of research and invention. In 1958 be became Research
Professor in physics at American University, Washington,
D.C., and continued in that position until his death Oc-
tober 15, 1966. Sponsored first by the Atomic Energy
Commission and later by the National Science Foundation
among others, he worked primarily on refinements and
extensions of his earlier studies in atmospheric electricity,
cloud physics, air pollution, and related geophysical sub-
jects, especially isostasy. He also accepted occasional
consultant opportunities. His environment at the Uni-
versity was to his liking. He was free to work on problems
of his own choice.
Ross Gunn’s life in science was interwoven with his
home life and his family. At the office and in the laboratory
he worked hard. He praised his associates and strongly
supported them for promotion when merited. He was
careful to give due credit to his co-workers. His family was
close to him. Its vital part in his life, its active, congenial,
and successful aspects, are only briefly mentioned here.
All four sons are college graduates, three from the Uni-
versity of Michigan, one from Oberlin. Two earned
Masters degrees, one completed work in the Yale School
of Divinity, and the fourth son, an M.D., Harvard.
Their mother, Gladys, was the family complement to
Ross in many ways. He represented science; she gave more
time than he could to cultural and church affairs. Evenings,
weekends, and even during summer vacations at their
Torch Lake home in Michigan-the periods he called his
“re-creation”-Ross’ mind was busy most of the time
on scientific matters. He worked long hours on laboratory
things at home. But he also gave generous support to the
church and civic activities sponsored by Gladys.
Notwithstanding his absorption with science, Gunn
enjoyed vigorous exercise-carpentering, ditch-digging,
wood chopping, etc., at the Lake cottage, swimming and
walking. The spacious lake front site in Michigan was
called The Arsenal, the place where the Gunns were kept.
The 38-ft. cruiser during the earlier years at NRL was the
GUNNBOAT. He took great pleasure in weekend cruises
on the Potomac during those NRL years. Brisk walks
with a son or two through neighboring woodlands were
frequent. Even during the most difficult days of the ACN
and atomic propulsion for submarines projects Gunn’s
characteristic dry sense of humor sounded the pitch for
good family relationships. He always liked the down-to-
earth stories and anecdotes of his long-time friend Boss
Kettering, and he often “indoctrinated” the boys in
similar fashion.
Gunn lived a full and useful life. Many times he could
have made it easier for himself if he had been less steadfast
in his beliefs and more inclined to “exploit” the facts
instead of expecting them to speak for themselves. He
conducted himself unusually well in social and political
events but he rarely sought them, and he held it to be
beneath a true scientist to seek unmerited favor. Probably
Ross Gunn would deem it the highest compliment to be
regarded as a man of science-((good science”-a disciple
of truth, justice, and high principle whose contributions
are fundamental and enduring. These things he has
achieved !
REFERENCES
1. L. L. Straws, Men and Decisions, Doubleday & Co., New York,
1962, 468 pp. (see pp. 180, 238, 436-437, and 442).
2. N. Polmar, Atomic Submarines, D. Van Nostrand Co., Princeton,
N.J., 1963, 286 pp. (see pp. 61 and 68-77).
3. A. H. Taylor, “The First 25 Years of the Naval Research
Laboratory,” NAVEXOS P-549, U.S. Navy Department,
1948, 75 pp. (see pp. 22-23, 41, 51, 67, and 72).
4. C. 0. Holmquist and R. S. Greenbaum, “The Development of
Nuclear Propulsion in the Navy,” U.S. Naval Institute
Proceedings, vol. 86, NO. 9, Sept. 1960, pp. 65-68.
5. National Research Council, Committee on Atmospheric
Sciences, Weather and Climate Modification, Problems and
Prospects, “Vol. I. Summary and Recommendations. Final
Report of the Panel on Weather and Climate Modification
to the Committee on Atmospheric Sciences,” Publication
No. 1350, Washington, D.C., 1966, 28pp .
Sciences, Weather and Climate Modification: Problems, and
Prospects, “Vol. 11. Research and Development. Final
Report of the Panel of Weather and Climate Modification
to the Committee on Atmospheric Sciences,’’ Publication
No. 1350, Washington, D.C., 1966, 198 pp.
6. National Research Council, Committee on Atmospheric
SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS BY ROSS GUNN
1923
1924 “A Source of Constant Frequency Oscillations,” 1074.
“The Best Dimensions for Amateur Antennas,” “A New Oscillator for Very Short Waves,” Radio
News, vol. 6, No. 6, Dec. 1924, pp. 923, 1073- QST, vol. 7, No. 2, Sept. 1923, pp. 27-29.
Journal of the Optical Society of America and 1927 ‘(The Measurement of High Potentials and a Review of Scientijic Instruments, vol. 8, No. 4,
Apr. 1924, pp. 545-547.
“On the Measurement of Very Small Changes of
Capacity, ”The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin
Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science,
vol. 48, 6th Series, No. 283, July 1924, pp. 224-
226.
Description of a New Type of Resistance,”
Journal of the Optical Society of America and
Review of Scienti$c Instruments, vol. 14, NO. 3,
Mar. 1927, pp. 257-262.
“Some Facts About Coil Design,” Radio Broadcast,
vol. 11, No. 1, May 1927, pp. 40-42.