The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
Sperry, Elmer Ambrose
1860–1930, American inventor, b. Cortland, N.Y. Although probably best known for his work on the gyroscope, he also invented the gyrocompass (1910), an extremely effective high-intensity searchlight, a new system of street lighting, and numerous electrical devices. He founded the American Institute of Electrical Engineers and the American Electrochemical Society.
