Virgil E. Bottom

Virgil Eldon Bottom (6 January 1911 – 30 October 2003) American born experimental physicist whose work contributed to the development of the quartz crystal production in the United States during world war 2 up to the end of the cold war. Virgil was also recognized for his teaching ability as well as humanitarian work.^[1]

Early life and education

Born in Butler County, Kansas, Virgil grew to have a fondness for mathematics and mathematical science. In 1931, he received his AB degree in Mathematics from Friends University where he is listed as a distinguished alumni.^[2] He would then travel to the University of Michigan where in 1938 he would receive an MS. After the intervention of world war 2 in his education plans, Virgil would end up receiving his PhD in Physics from Purdue University.

Military service

During world war 2, Virgil was assigned to the Signal Corps engineering Laboratory where he spent most of his time repairing radios for the Allied Militaries. He would later be recognized by being awarded the Certificate of Service by the Signal Corps engineering Laboratory for his efforts. It would be during his military service that Virgil would gain his experience in quartz crystals which would later set the path for his physics career.

Awards in physics

For his work in piezoelectric effect of quartz crystals Virgil would receive both the Cady Award^[3] and Sawyer Award^[4] from the IEEE.

Teaching

Dr. Bottom was also recognized in the field of physics education with 20 of his students following him into the field of piezoelectrics involving quartz crystals. From 1964 to 1965, he was a Fulbright Lecturer to Brazil. Virgil was also active in traveling the world to give lectures on crystal quartz production. During his career he would hold lecturing positions in math and physics at Friends University, Wichita, Kansas, at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado and at McMurry College.

Humanitarian work and later life

Dr. Bottoms was a deeply religious man and spent his free time translating bible verses and working as a volunteer at rehabilitation clinics. In 1985 he was recognized for 25 years of service to the West Texas Rehab, in Abilene, Texas.^[5] Virgil would spend the remainder of his retirement years in Abilene where he died 30 October 2003.

Publications

• Virgil E. Bottom, Introduction to Quartz Crystal Unit Design, Van Nostrand Reinhold, (1982).^[6]
• Virgil E. Bottom, The Autobiography of Virgil E. Bottom, IEEE.
• Virgil E. Bottom, A History Of The Quartz Crystal Industry In The USA, IEEE, (1981)^[7]

References