At Elevated Pressures

In a minimum of words, Samuel Kistler is an intellectual gentleman. He is intensely dedicated and committed to the better products of the human mind. Although, in his association with other individuals, he is tolerant, understanding, and highly ethical, you will not necessarily find him to be comfortable company. In a kind and considerate way, he can probe and pry in his associates' minds. More than any other individual I know, he is highly skilled in the art of radiating mental stimulation.

—Dr. L. Dale Harris, ca. 1963

At the beginning of the new century, it is uncertain how many scientists have worked with aerogels. What is certain, however, is that all of them owe a debt of gratitude to Samuel Stephens Kistler, the scientist who prepared the first aerogels and spent a large part of the past century studying their properties and uses. There was much more to Kistler's life than aerogels, however. His career spanned many disciplines, from chemistry and engineering, to education, science policy and world affairs. As the sixth International Symposium on Aerogels approaches, we respectfully present the following profile of this dedicated scientist.

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