| The
history of hydraulics and fluid mechanics and of the
people who pioneered research in these areas has been a
focus of study throughout IIHR's own history. Already in
the 1920s, IIHR researchers were gathering information on
Iowa's early water wheels. In the 1950s, the staff began
compiling a collection
of rare books that now comprises over 500 volumes and
has been described as "the finest collection known to
exist on the history of hydraulics." Subsequent
historic studies led to the publication of History of
Hydraulics (by Simon Ince and Hunter Rouse) and Hydraulics
in the United States, 1776-1976 (by Hunter Rouse),
both pioneering works in the subject that remain
significant reference volumes. |
|
More recent investigations
culminated in several other book and journal publications,
including the memoir Hans Albert Einstein:
Reminiscences of His Life and Our Life Together , by
Elizabeth Roboz Einstein, and several biographical
sketches of significant hydraulicians of the twentieth
century. Ongoing efforts involve further analyzing Hans
Albert Einstein's life and his contributions to
sediment-transport theory and river engineering. The
history of efforts here at IIHR have provided another
focus of ongoing studies. IIHR's first half-century led to
the publication of several bulletins summarizing efforts
completed here. IIHR (in conjunction with the University
Archives) now maintains archives connected with hydraulic
research and educational efforts. These archives and other
materials have been used to prepare a modern history
of IIHR, its activities, and their significance.
Seminars, displays, and other historic publications are
created on a continuing basis. |