Richard Scott Perkin

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Richard Scott Perkin (1906–1969) was an American entrepreneur and co-founder of Perkin-Elmer, a company that specialized in optics. From an early age he loved astronomy and built telescopes and ground lenses and mirrors. He spent only one year in college studying chemical engineering before working at a Wall Street brokerage. In the 1930s he met Charles Elmer after a lecture; they shared an interest in astronomy and started a business together. In 1937 they founded Perkin-Elmer as an optical design and consulting firm. Perkin served as president until 1960, then as chairman of the board. A crater on the Moon named Perkin honors him, and a crater named Elmer honors his partner. He was married to Gladys Frelinghuysen Talmage, who became CEO after his death. About ten years later, she commissioned a commemorative history; 100 copies were printed and distributed to friends.