The University of Rochester is celebrating the life of Chester Carlson and his innovation that led to the first modern copier. The university is highlighting his invention at a library named after him.
On Tuesday, there was a reception marking the exhibit at the Carlson Science and Engineering Library called, “True Original: Chester Carlson’s Xerography at 75.”
The exhibit honors the invention of the Xerographic process, which is marking its 75th anniversary. That process led to what later became the Xerox company. Catherine Carlson spoke of Chester's philanthropic efforts at Tuesday’s reception.
“In disposing of a large fortune he said several times, ‘I don't know whether I'm doing right or wrong, I'm simply trying to do the best thing I can.’ "
Harold Bogdonoff was a physicist who worked at Xerox for 37 years, and also worked with Chester Carlson in the 1950s. He says you really can't overstate Carlson’s contribution to technology.
"All of the laser printers on the market today are still using the xerography process, it has made such a difference in the world for copying. "
The exhibit at the Carlson library at the U of R includes correspondence and other papers in the university's collection related to the start of Xerography as well as one of the early Xerox machines.
