Author: James J. Walsh

Brother Potamian, born Michael P. N. Driscoll in Rathdowney, Ireland on September 22, 1827, was a significant figure in the scientific community during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He joined the Christian Brothers in 1846, a religious community with a strong educational mission, later moving to the United States where he became a naturalized citizen and made substantive contributions to the field of science education. As a lecturer and educator, he was housed at Manhattan College in New York City, and his scholarly pursuits positioned him as an expert on the history of electricity. In collaboration with famed inventor Thomas Edison, Brother Potamian authored “Makers of Electricity” (1909), a comprehensive chronicle on the evolution and contributions of towering figures to the field of electrical science. The work serves not only as a historical account but also reflects his keen interest in demonstrating the consonance of faith and science. His literary style in recounting the lives of pioneering individuals like Faraday, Volta, and Oersted combines thorough research with a narrative flair, making the subject accessible and engaging. Although aimed at elucidating complex technical concepts, Brother Potamian”s writings maintain a fluid approach that captures the imagination of both specialists and general readers alike. Beyond his literary contributions, Brother Potamian”s legacy is cemented in his devotion to the dissemination of scientific knowledge through a lens that harmonizes religious beliefs with empirical inquiries.