Archive Record
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Metadata
Title |
Paul M. Cook Interview Transcript |
Object Name |
Document, Digital |
Scope & Content |
Paul M. Cook interview transcript conducted by James J. Bohning at San Carlos on April 2, 1992. The interview was produced by the Chemical Heritage Foundation as part of their Oral History Program. The original document is 33 pages. 1 PDF file (original file name Cook_PM_0105_FULL.pdf) 39 pages; 234 KB Abstract of Interview: "Paul Cook begins the interview with a discussion of his family background and childhood. When Cook was young, he took an interest in chemistry, developing a laboratory in the basement of his parents' house. After graduating from high school in 1941, he attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he studied chemical engineering with Warren K. Lewis. In 1943, after enlisting in the Army, he went to basic infantry training. Cook then enrolled in the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP), through which he attended Stanford University for two terms, studying mechanical engineering. After a year, Cook was sent to the Hunter Liggett Military Reservation, and then to Fort Benning, where he became an MP. While at Fort Benning, he joined the Officer Candidate School, and shortly after completing the training, was sent to fight in Italy. In February 1946, Cook left the Army and worked for Submarine Signal in Boston. He then returned to MIT, where he completed his degree in 1947. After graduation, Cook started the Warren Wire Company with his older brother. A year later, Cook left the fledgling company to join the Stanford Research Institute as a chemical engineer. There he worked on a number of projects, including the growth of the algae Chlorella and the potential uses of waste fission products. In 1951, Cook founded the Sequoia Process Corporation. Five years later, he left Sequoia to found Raychem Corporation, which opened in 1957. Cook concludes the interview with a discussion of Raychem's international competition, the growth of the company, his thoughts on managing innovation, and the possibilities of radiation technology." |
Date |
April 2, 1992 |
Creator |
Chemical Heritage Foundation, Philadelphia |
Catalog Number |
2018.020.001 |
Collection |
Archival Collection |
Category |
Documents |
People |
Cook, Paul M. |
Search Terms |
Cook, Paul M. Oral History Radiation Chemistry Raychem Corporation Raychem Corporation Personnel Raychem Corporation Research and Development |
Subjects |
Business Chemical industry Industry Radiation chemistry |
Copyrights |
"This interview has been designated as Free Access. One may view, quote from, cite, or reproduce the oral history with the permission of CHF. Please note: Users citing this interview for purposes of publication are obliged under the terms of the Chemical Heritage Foundation Oral History Program to credit CHF using the format Paul M. Cook, interview by James J. Bohning at San Carlos, California, 2 April 1992 (Philadelphia: Chemical Heritage Foundation, Oral History Transcript # 0105)." |
Credit line |
San Mateo County Historical Association Collection |