‘Father of the Science of Seeing’
Matthew Luckiesh graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1909. Throughout his career, Luckiesh dedicated his efforts to General Electric. As director of GE’s Lighting Research Laboratory from 1924 to 1949, Luckiesh focused his research on "light and vision," causing him to become known as the "Father of the Science of Seeing." He was particularly interested in determining optimal conditions for visibility. Luckiesh's results included 11 U.S. patents, as well as authorship of 28 books plus than 800 scientific and technical articles. His designs were highly successful commercially, representing almost 35% of all lamps purchased in America in 1927. In 1929 alone, 13 million lamps designed by Luckiesh were sold. Luckiesh left a legacy of innovation and excellence in lighting and vision science.