American Scientist

When I last wrote about the engineering background of Alexander Calder (in the July–August 2009 issue of this magazine), I did not have the benefit of his transcript from his beloved alma mater, Stevens Institute of Technology, which was identified during Calder’s time there as “a College of Mechanical Engineering.” This document, in conjunction with information in the institution’s catalog for the 1918–1919 academic year, has provided further insight into and confirmation of the hypothesis that his engineering education had a profound influence on his art, especially as manifested in his signature compositions known as mobiles and stabiles.