Member Directory,
1847 - 1922
Augustus Trowbridge
Professor of Physics
Centurion, 1912–1934
Henry Fairfield Osborn and Paul van Dyke
New York (Brooklyn), New York
Taormina, Sicily, Italy
Age forty-two
Princeton, New Jersey
Century Memorial
The most interesting distinction of Augustus Trowbridge was achieved quite apart from his career as professor and Dean at Princeton. Leaving his collegiate chair of physics to enlist with Pershing during 1917, he quickly applied his laboratory experience to invention of physical machinery whereby, within a minute after discharge of enemy artillery, the sound waves could be made to record photographically the exact position and calibre of the German guns. For this notable achievement, which proved to be of great strategic value, Dr. Trowbridge received high rank and honorary distinction. His friends described him, on his return to the United States and Princeton, as looking every inch the soldier; suggesting, by his military bearing, less a faculty research professor than a commanding general.
Alexander Dana Noyes
1935 Century Association Yearbook
