R.I.P. Norman Edmund 1916 – 2012

As an avid amateur photographer, Norman Edmund discovered that finding lenses for his favorite pass time was extremely difficult. After a successful advertising campaign in the early 40’s for used lenses, he founded the Edmund Salvage Corporation, which became Edmund Scientific. This fledgling company specialized in war-surplus optics, lightly damaged lenses, and inexpensive scientific equipment. Edmund eventually produced instruction booklets that weren’t more than type written pages stapled together with descriptions of various experiments that could be performed with his optics. These manuals led to the creation of the Edmund Scientific Catalog.

Despite this beginning his unconventional approach gained popularity due to a growing national interest in science and astronomy in the late 1950’s. Unlike his earlier kits that consisted only of lenses, Edmund began selling full telescope kits, parts, and scientific supplies with applications in the fields of optics, chemistry, physics, and meteorology to name a few. Edmund Scientific grew to be one of the main suppliers to teachers, schools, and scientific researchers in the country. From the early 40’s to the late 70’s Edmund Scientific was the most successful supplier for everyone from the hobbyist to the professional researcher.

Norman Edmund’s 70 years of contributions to science and education continue to this day. Take a look at the company, now known as Edmund Optics, in a great Timeline here.

He leaves behind two children, Robert M. Edmund and Joan E. Husted, as well as six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is remembered by all for his generosity, love of science, and curious mind.

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