55. Twice in a Lifetime

Short Stories
of Science and Invention

A Collection of Radio Talks by
Charles F. Kettering

Weekly, from September 1942 to July 1945, Charles F. Kettering gave five-minute intermission talks about Science and Invention during the radio broadcasts of the General Motors Symphony of the Air.

Kettering invented the first automobile self-starter, and for 31 years directed a research laboratory for General Motors.

These radio talks are a fascinating legacy from the mind of a prolific inventor. The obvious anachronisms now add a historical perspective of the war-time period in which they were written.

These web pages now preserve some of the most popular stories for a new generation to read The text and art come from a General Motors booklet of selected talks. (Reprint, March 1959)

55. Twice in a Lifetime
A Radio Talk by Charles F. Kettering

It was knowledge gained by manufacturing our everyday necessities that gave us the background which makes the production of military materials seem so spectacular.

One can never tell when this information will be valuable until an emergency develops. The same is equally true in a research project. Many of the apparently new and amazing things produced in the war are just new uses of old peacetime products.

Chemist

     As an illustration, mechanical household refrigeration was in the kindergarten stage before World War I. But we had been at it long enough to appreciate the necessity for a more suitable gas. Those in use were toxic and irritating.

     During this time, our Organic Chemistry Department was making laboratory experiments on new gases, along with studies on synthetic rubber and high octane fuel.

     When the War was over, we finished the fuel job first by putting Ethyl gas on the market. This same material is still one of the essentials in most high octane gasoline.