Harvey B. Lemon

Harvey B. Lemon (1885-1965) was a consultant to the University of Chicago’s Metallurgical Laboratory (“Met Lab”) during the Manhattan Project. Outside of consulting with the Met Lab, Lemon worked as a chief physicist and head of the Rocket Branch at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. 

Early Years

Harvey Brace Lemon was born in Chicago, Illinois. Lemon studied at the University of Chicago for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. He earned his B.A. in 1906, his M.S. in 1910, and a Ph.D. in physics in 1912.

From 1911 to 1914, Lemon worked as an instructor at the University of Chicago. Later, he was promoted to assistant professor in 1917, associate professor in 1922, and full professor in 1928. Lemon retired from the University of Chicago as emeritus professor in 1950.

Later Years

Following his retirement from teaching, Lemon became the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry’s Scientific Director. Prior to becoming the director, he was a consultant to the Museum. Lemon became known for his contributions to teaching methods, educational films, and textbooks. His most well-known books included From Galileo to the Nuclear Age (1946) and The Demonstration Laboratory of Physics at the University of Chicago (1939).

At the age of eighty, Harvey Brace Lemon died in Omaha Nebraska on July 3, 1965.

For more information about Harvey Brace Lemon, please see the following reference:

• Physics Today: Obituary for Lemon