Clair Cameron Patterson

Clair Cameron Patterson (June 2, 1922 – December 5, 1995) was an American geochemist. Born in Mitchellville, Iowa, Patterson graduated from Grinnell College. He later received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and spent his entire professional career at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

In an Interview With Shirley K. Cohen

 * ...as I grew up, we spent a lot of time learning things about the world that most youngsters in cities don’t learn these days.


 * I would get up and explain how things really work. That was my job.


 * I don’t have any pride, I’m sorry to say. I have zero pride in any award. All I feel is obligation, obligation, and obligation.