The Self-Made Genius: Percy Spencer's Journey from Navy Sailor to Microwave Inventor

Lacking much formal education because of difficult family circumstances, Percy Spencer was determined to learn on his own.

The emerging wireless technology industry of the early 20th century intrigued Spencer, who enlisted in the United States Navy in 1912 intent on becoming a radio operator. The sailor served less than two years in the military, but in that relatively short span, he acquired as much knowledge as possible while in uniform.

“I just got hold of a lot of textbooks and taught myself while I was standing watch at night,” Spencer said.

A chronic ear condition ended Spencer’s time in the Navy. It did nothing to blunt his rampant curiosity, however. Holder of more than a hundred patents, Spencer became a prolific inventor. One of Spencer’s inventions looms above all the rest, primarily because of its impact on everyday Americans’ lives.

One day, Spencer stood near a magnetron with a candy bar coincidentally on him. The chocolate treat melted, which piqued the inquisitive Spencer’s interest. He requested someone bring home some unpopped popcorn. When he placed the kernels in front of the magnetron, they popped.

For his next impromptu experiment, Spencer notched a hole into a kettle, fetched an egg, and put it inside. The microwaves from the magnetron caused the egg to violently break its shell; not only that, but they projected pieces of yolk onto the face of one of Spencer’s co-workers who positioned himself in front of the hole.

What’s a little egg on the face, though, in the name of progress?

#NavyVeteran #MilitaryHistory #Microwave #Veterans