Ralph Classon Porter
Ralph Classon Porter (c1870-1945)
Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Birmingham University
1946 Obituary [1]
"RALPH CLASSON PORTER, M.SC., was for thirty-five years lecturer on mechanical engineering and director of the power station at the University of Birmingham.
After receiving his education at Clifton College and at Liverpool University, he served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Beyer, Peacock and Company, Ltd., of Manchester, from 1892 to 1895. He then went to the Frodingham Iron and Steel Co as under manager, being subsequently made assistant engineer.
On his return from Cairo in 1901, where he had been for two years professor of engineering at the Government Polytechnic School he began his long connection with the University of Birmingham, which lasted until his retirement in 1937. During his tenure of office he was responsible for the re-equipment of the mechanical engineering department and for extensions of electric power and steam heat to the University's new buildings.
Mr. Porter, whose death in his seventy-fifth year occurred on 28th July 1945, was elected an Associate Member of the Institution in 1905, and was transferred to Membership in 1930. He was also an Associate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers."