Me: "What events in your early life might have sparked an interest in science?"
Latimer: "My parents were originally run-away slaves. My family was very poor so I wanted to make something out of myself. In grade school, I was very talented at art so when I got older I thought I could use my art skills for my love of science. I found work in Connecticut after I was honorably discharged from the Navy at United States Electric Company as a draftsman.And from there, I have made many new inventions for the better of everyone."
Me: "What was the state of knowledge existed in the areas of study about the light bulb when you entered technical drawing?"
Latimer: "Very little actually. Since a lot of inventors were making their own types or versions of the light bulb, not one source you could study and say that was the only way of making a light bulb. That is why it was race for me and Hiram Maxim to be the first one to patent a carbon filament for an improved lightbulb."
Me: "What are some of your major accomplishments and methodologies used?"
Latimer: My patent for the 'Process of Manufacturing Carbon Filament' might be my greatest but I also have a few others which have gain some fame. Such as the patents for: ' Apparatus for Cooling and Disinfecting,' 'Water Closet for Railroad Cars,' and ' Device for Locking Hats, Coats, and Umbrellas on Hanging Racks,' just to name some. My methodology came from the authors of other patents that I have seen and studied to improve upon mine."Me: " What was the state of academy of science and how did it impact you?"
Latimer: " My source of learning came from other inventors and technical drawers' patents. I learned how they formed the layout of the design. How thick the line should be, how big the text size should be, the dimensioning of the device, and so on. I learned by myself as well with my basic drafting instruments of T Squares, triangles, compasses, and rulers. After eleven years of hard work, thinking, and studying, I moved up from an office boy to a skilled draftsman! Almost a seven hundred percent increase of a salary, from $3 per week to $20! How amazing it is to put your mind to work. You can almost do anything if you just put your mind to it."Me: "What were your limitations as a scientist or as a person?"
Latimer: "I did not have any limitations as an individual. In fact I have said I am "unconquered and unconquerable." I never let anything break my spirit. Although no newspapers ever even mentioned my name because my African-American heritage, it did not put me down."Me : " What were the prevalent religious or philosophical beliefs at the time?"
Latimer: "The most widespread of religion in the United States was Christianity. However a lot of a new philosophical movements did occur such as Karl Marx's communism, Mary Baker Eddy's Christian Science movement, Joseph Smith Jr.'s Latter-Day Saints movement, and Ellen G. White's Seventh-day Adventist Church religion, among many others."Me: "What major cultural, economic, and political were taking place at the time of your work?"
Latimer: "One major change for me was the banning of slavery in the United States by the Thirteenth Amendment in the Constitution. The purchasing of Alaska from Russia, the first transcontinental railroad in America, and World War I were also major changes."
Me: "Who are some of the artists, musicians, and writers in the United States in your lifetime?"
Latimer: "Some artists were Mary Cassatt and Winslow Homer. Some writers would be Mark Twain, Brothers Grimm, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Washington Irving to name a few favorites. And my favorite musician who I listened to often, Scott Joplin."Me: "What were the demographics of the U.S in the 19th century?
Latimer: "Well, America went into the GIlded Age. It led the world in per capita income and industrial production! Things were going nice in the United States especially after the thirteenth amendment had passed. America had about 50 million people in the 1880's, mostly white."Me: "How were gender and class roles defined at the time?"
Latimer: "When I was born, the Seneca Falls Convention was held for legal rights for women to vote. Eight years before I died, women had reached victory and were allowed to vote. Women were always a lower class than men when I grew up. And African-Americans were always a lower class than the white men. However when I retired and started writing and painting, most class, gender, and race struggles were over."Me: "Thank you for your time!"
