Jerome Karle

Some would say there are two roads that one must choose to follow that will dictate their life-making decisions; whether to make other individuals happy or to make themselves happy. Life takes many twists and turns that can often change attitudes, perceptions and concentrations. Jerome Karle was faced with this dilemma at an early age, but went on to become a world-renowned physical chemist that forever changed the landscape of our world.

Born in New York City on June 18, 1918, Karle was surrounded by a wealth of artistic individuals (Karle, 1985). Influenced by an uncle and brother-in-law who devoted their lives to creating music professionally, Karle knew at an early age that he would be a musician the rest of his life. In addition, Karle’s mother was a revered pianist and organist who influenced her son at an early age to develop a love for the arts; particularly music (Karle, 1985).

In the wake of Black Tuesday in late 1929, Karle’s mother insisted that Jerome concentrate solely on his music in hopes of creating a better life for himself and to leave lower Manhattan. It appeared to be Jerome’s only escape from the lower socio-economical class that dwelled in that part of town (Karle, 1985). Complicated by the lack of income from both of Karle’s parents, Jerome worked many odd jobs in and around Brooklyn in addition to attending Abraham Lincoln High School. Jerome also entered a weekly music showcase in Manhattan that showcased talented youth in hopes of winning a cash prize (Karle, 1985). Having only mediocre success, Jerome decided that he had not taste for public performances. However, he was becoming avidly intrigued by his high school courses in science, physics and mathematics. After graduating high school, Karle had finally decided what road to take in his journey towards happiness.

Jerome entered the City College of New York in 1933 and concentrated on his pursuit of knowledge in the science of chemistry and physics (Karle, 1985). Karle’s acceptance to the institution was a decision made in the best interest of his family due to the tuition-free standard set by the college. As an added bonus, Karle was blessed to be surrounded by some of the brightest minds in all of New York. Unfortunately, Karle was forced to give up his love of playing music indefinitely due to the three hour commute to and from school as well as being inundated with school studies (Karle, 1985). After graduating from undergraduate college, Karle went on to pursue a Master’s Degree at Harvard in biology followed by a doctorate at the University of Michigan in physical chemistry (Karle, 1985). It was at the University of Michigan that Jerome’s life would take another one of its unexpected turns.

While completing his doctorate at the University of Michigan, Jerome met his future wife, Isabella Lugoski, who shared the same passion for science and music as Jerome (Karle, 1985). The two were eventually married in 1942 while still in graduate school. Before Jerome was awarded his PhD at Michigan, he was given the opportunity to become a part of history and assist in the creation of the first nuclear weapon; which he viewed as an honor and act of patriotism (Karle, 1985). He would later say in an interview about the project that “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. When the nation calls, you answer (Karle, 1985).” Although his research and development achievements during the Manhattan Project were revered and are somewhat controversial to this day, his greatest achievements were realized thereafter. Although his research and development achievements during the Manhattan Project were revered and are somewhat controversial to this day, his greatest achievements were realized thereafter.

In 1946, both Jerome and