James Bert Garner

Biography

James Bert Garner, born in 1870, devoted himself to the study of chemistry and joined the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh, where he taught for many years and inspired countless students with his careful experiments.

In 1915 he devised an effective gas mask for industrial and military use, improving respiratory safety and earning respect for his thoughtful engineering while continuing to publish and mentor young scientists up to his retirement; his advocacy for safer working conditions left a lasting mark on the science community and the men and women who benefited from his devices when he passed in 1960.