Hardware engineer
August 19, 1906 — March 11, 1971
inducted in the class of 2004
Notable accomplishments:
- Designed and built first all-electronic television, precursor to later video displays (1927)
- Designed and built the first modern air-traffic control system (1950s)
Quotes:
“Radio was expected by many to put the phonograph makers out of business, but more phonographs are sold today than ever before. Hollywood will be kept jumping supplying pictures for leasing to television broadcasting stations — a vast new market for its output.” (Interview with Modern Mechanix and Inventions Magazine, 1936)
“When Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, Phil turned to me and said, ‘Pem, this has made it all worthwhile.’ Before then, he wasn’t too sure.” (Interview with Elma Farnsworth, his widow, with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, 1986)
Suggested reading:
“The Story of Television, the Life of Philo T. Farnsworth” by George Everson (2022)
“The Boy Who Invented Television: A Story of Inspiration, Persistence and Quiet Passion” by Paul Schatzkin (2023)
Learn more:
Biography at Lemelson-MIT