THE NEW VACUUM SPECTROGRAPH OPTICAL INSTRUMENT DESIGNED : Dr K Rangadhama Rao 1932 Built in Potsdam Berlin

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VOLUME 2010, Issue No.7, dt. July 09, 2010
Prof Dr Kotcherlakota Lakshmi Narayana,
propriety right held
(Retd.Prof.of Physics, SU) 17-11-10, Narasimha Ashram, Official Colony, Maharanipeta.P.O, Visakhapatnam Dated: 1st July 2010
Email Id: kotcherlakota_l_n@gmail.com
THE NEW VACUUM SPECTROGRAPH OPTICAL INSTRUMENT
DESIGNED during his stay in London 1928-1930
by
Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao D.Sc. (Madras). D.Sc. (London)
& BUILT AT POTSDAM, BERLIN

ABSTRACT:

J S Badami writes to Dr. K.Rangadhama Rao, on 28th February 1932 ” Probably by the time this reaches you, your job question might have been solved, as you write. I hope it has been favourable. I was never prepared to learn what you wrote regarding Prof R. I thought he might even be of positive value to you considering you were the first informant of the great good luck – any way ours is to wish him still more. I only wish our great men were great in their goodness too---.”
Further in a letter dated April 28th, 1932 he writes to Prof Dr KRRao “ I read details about the job with mixed feelings. I would not mind a pay of Rs 250/ if the salaries of all posts in India were reduced to similar levels. With all what I can gather the leadership business when it turns up would be a tough job.”
J S Badami knows the mind of youthful Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao in London and his ambition and wrote on the April 28th, 1932 to him “ With all what I can gather the leadership business when it turns up would be a tough job.”
He wrote on 13th July 1932, “ I hope to have soon in near future if opportunity permits the pleasure & privilege of working in your lab with this new instrument. “

DETAILED NOTE:

THE NEW VACUUM SPECTROGRAPH OPTICAL INSTRUMENT DESIGNED by Professor Dr Kotcherlakota Rangadhama Rao D.Sc. (Madras). D.Sc. (London) has been ordered by him at his personal expense of Reich mark 1600/- to be BUILT at POTSDAM, BERLIN , by Herr H Lesche (of Paschen Laboratory fame) in 1932 and shipped on 18th July 1932 by ship S/S Vanistra to Vizagapatam via Madras, (unloaded at Gopalpore) and to the address of Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao, Andhra University, Waltair .The customs etc charges were paid through the Andhra Scientific Co.,Muslipatam, on 20th October 1932 by cheque of Rs.205/10/- with invoice for the consignment by Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao, Lecturer in Physics, Andhra University, Waltair. The receipt was issued on the 22nd October 1932 by the Andhra scientific Co. under No.280.
As per J S Badami letter dated 26th Feb 1932 “the apparat will cost 1600 Reichs mark. ( sixteen hundred). The freight charges covering to about 80 marks you will pay there. The charges for packing – insurance etc are included in 1600. Leche wants that for buying materials etc., he must have in advance about 1000marks. He has promised to expedite construction & begin as soon as he hears from you.”
JS Badami wrote in the same letter that “Leche has asked me to write. (1). That the new spectrgraph will be quite vacuum - tight as no more “ guss “ will be used- as was with the old one. ( guss = cast metal). (2). You must send the exact dimensions of the grating- (if if circular ) the diameter in mm, & the thickness. (3) “fix und ferfig “ the apparat will cost 1600 Reichs mark. ( sixteen hundred). ”

On the 16th March 1932 J S Badami watched the progress of the built of the Vacuum Spectrograph as per the proposals made by Dr. K.Rangadhama Rao to Herr H. Lesche. J S Badami went on 13th July 1932 to Potsdam, Berlin to see the Vacuum Spectrograph ordered by Prof Dr. K.R.Rao which was tested for tight vacuum conditions using a mercury monometer and did not indicate any change overnight. It has been packed in a ‘kiste’ by Herr H Lesche and the whole kiste was again in a bigger one.

He wrote on 13th July 1932, “ I hope to have soon in near future if opportunity permits the pleasure & privilege of working in your lab with this new instrument. “ fig 1

Fig 2:

JSBadami letter extract from page 2 dt.26th Feb 1932: fig 3

Fig 4

The Hugo Schonsee & Co. Hamburg in a letter addressed to Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao, Andhra University, Vizagapatam dt 26th July 1932 under Ha/T Betr Our Ref: Ue 1769 informed to the dear Sir, We herewith beg to hand you enclosed copy of our registered of 19th inst with 2nd B/L for: O.L.3102- 1 case Optical Instrument-178 kos., shipped on 18th inst. per S/S “Vinastra” to your address via Madras. It is possible that the case will be shipped only to Gopalpore and therefore it is necessary that you apply to the shipping-agents of the line in madras regarding the forwarding to your address. We await your acknowledgement and remain, dear sir. Yours faithfully, Hugo Schonsensee & Co. G.m.b.H with Encl: fig 5

J S Badami writes on 26th February 1932,”Probably by the time this reaches you, your job question might have been solved, as you write. I hope it has been favourable. I was never prepared to learn what you wrote regarding Prof R. I thought he might even be of positive value to you considering you were the first informant of the great good luck – any way ours is to wish him still more. I only wish our great men were great in their goodness too---.”

The migrant people to Agraharam region of Chengalaraopeta near to the Kanaka Mahalakshmi Gudi and who were received and given shelter in homes like the “ Adithi Devo Bhava” and later in Dharma-Satras of Vizag city, have subsequently shifted to rental residences near to The Candian Baptist Church etc. One of them was Prof R’s father who was a mathematics lecturer in the then converted Hindu College as the Mrs. A.V. N. College. Dr . K. Rangadhama Rao has also studied in the CBM High School the V and the VI forms and did Intermediate and B.A degree course at Mrs. A. V. N. College.

J S Badami knows the mind of youthful Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao in London and his ambition and wrote on the April 28th, 1932 to him “ With all what I can gather the leadership business when it turns up would be a tough job.”

To the present authors knowledge the most eminent person like Srinivas Ramanujam who was given money for railway mail ticket, to return back to Madras with the wrong advice that he wouldn’t be supported in Vizag or in Vizianagaram.

The mention may be made of Dr. K. Krishnamurthy of Nagpur Institute of Science and Dr. Icchapurapu Ramakrishna Rao Ph.D. (Allahabad) D.Sc. (London) who were both helped and guided by Dr. K.Rangadhama Rao along with Prof Asundhi, Dr S.Dakshminamurthi, Dr. T. Vasunadara Devi, and especially Dr. J. S. Badami. Both Dr. K. Krishnamurthy and Dr. I. Ramakrishna Rao were also associates with Prof. R. These people know by their friendly nearness the work, research and progress of Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao and as well his ambitions.

Dr K Rangadhama Rao paid an amount of Rs 425-0-0 for the R. marks of value 400/- through the Imperial Bank, Vizagapatam on the 10/10/1932 and the balance amount of Rs forty odd was returned to him by the agent. fig 6

The Imperial Bank of India, Vizagapatam, Post Box No.16 in a letter No.615, wrote on 30-4-1932 to Dr. K.Rangadhama Rao Solar Physics Observatory, Kodaikonal that “As requested in your letter dt 15-4-1932 I beg to enclose a set of bills on Berlin in favour of Mr.H.Lesche for R 700marks. for the cost of which at 110 per rupee your account has been debited Rs.636-9-11 including postages of Rs.0-4-3. Please acknowledge receipt. Your a/c has also been debited Re 1-10-0 being the ¼% Bank’s commission on the value of the draft given in duplicate. p. Secretary and Treasurer No.232a”.

OUTWARDS INDIA, CEYLON and BURMAH
Joint Service of
Wilh. Withelmsen Flag Emblem of W & AOSK AKTIEBOLAGET
(THE NORWEGIAN AFRICA-and AUSTRALIA LINE) Svenska Ostasiatiska Kompaniet
(THE SWEDISH EAST ASIATIC COMPANY, LIMITED)
De 1769. {List of Agents}
Shipped in apparent good order and condition by HUGO SCHONSEE & Co.G.m.b.H.
of the steam ship Vinistra now lying in the
port of Hamburg and whereof is Master
at being understood that goods received on the ship’s wharves or on lighters are to be considered as shipped, ship’s liability being the same as
on board) bound for INDIA via Suez Canal SAID to be
O.L.3102
Vizagapatam
via Madras 1 case optical instrument 178. kos.
Made in Germany to be handled with care

In the like order and condition at the port of MADRAS or so near thereunto as she may safely get, and always lie safely afloat (and to be forwarded thence at Owner’s expense but Shipper’s risk by) coasting vessel as customary to VIZAGAPATAM unto Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao, Andhra University, Vizagapatam.
or to his or their assigns, Freight for the said goods and primage to become due on shipment, and to be prepaid in HAMBURG by shipper’s in cash without deduction, or in Owners’ option at the highest rate of exchange of Bankers’ sight bills current on the day of shipment by ship or goods lost or not lost.
{The following are the exceptions and conditions above referred to :......................}
In accepting this Bill of Lading, the Shipper or other Agent of the Owner of the Property carried expressly accepts and agrees to all its stipulations, exceptions and conditions and date whether written, printed or stamped.
In WITNESS whereof the Master or Agent of the said Ship has signed 3 Bills of Lading exclusive of the Mater’s and Owner’s copies all of this tenor and date, one of which being accomplished, the others to stand void, for the Master
Dated in HAMBURG the 18th July 1932.
Theoder & F. Elmboko
as agents Attorney signed.
Fig 9
Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao is very particular of responding to his commitments.
fig 10

Memorandum of the draft for R.mark 400/- sent by Dr. K.Rangadhama Rao to Herr H. Lesche at Potsdam, Berlin.

Fig 11 Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao obviously had been to Kodaikanal, in Tamil Nadu state where he did work in Astrophysics and also set up the optical telescope properly aligned. On 11th March 1932 he was in kodaikanal as the registered posted to JS Badami shows by the postal stamp on it. Fig 12


fig 13 Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao paid an amount of Rs. 205-10-0 to The Andhra Scientific Co Masulipatam No.280 Dt.22nd Octr 1932 towards customs of the optical goods by ship S/S Vinstra. The amount was later refunded. fig 14

It’s interesting to observe that Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao got the customs payment made through the Andhra Scientific Co., Muslipatam, that was chosen by him as a promotional activity of Manufacturers and Importers of Scientific Instruments, Laboratory Glass ware and Chemicals Etc., obviously needed to establish a research Centre of Science & Technology endeavour. Dr. I. Ramakrishna Rao has been encouraged to do this “firm business” to augments the needs of the Andhra University, items and materials requirement. Only a man of great genius and enthusiast with commitment of educational endeavour could have done it.
The letter detailing specifications of Vacuum Spectrograph of Dr K Rangadhama Rao as endorsed by Herr H. Lesch in his letter. fig 15.


fig 16

The devoted instrumentalist Herr H. Lesche seems to be very much satisfied with the order he received from an Indian Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao to build the Vacuum Spectrograph and he carefully mentions everything to him in his letters and scrupulously follows the learned Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao what he desires in building the spectrograph of the New Design.
As soon on 6th September 1932 the optical good arrived by Ship S/S Vanistra the freight and steam ship agents LIONEL EDWARDS LTD, were happy to ask Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao on the 8th September 1932, for payment of Bill No.2081 for Rs 1-14-0 per ton i.e. an amount Rs. 0-7-0 by crossed cheque. fig 17.

Herr H Lesche and J S Badami were both very much concerned with the aspirations of Dr. K.Rangadhama Rao and have an admiration to him of unspecifiable regard and looking forward to guidance and advice and especially Herr H. Lesche thought of enlarging his business with the supply of several precession made instruments for research. It is unbelievable that a person like Dr K. Rangadhama Rao could win the hearts of so many people abroad, both at the technician and the highest research levels of endeavour in Science & Technology.
The irony of the situation is that the very people to whom Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao helped and given guidance both at Andhra Pradesh cities like Berhampur, Icchapuram, Vizianagaram and Vizagapatam the same people resorted to clandestine affiliations’ and were sympathetic with him. fig 18 ===============================
National Bank of India
Limited
RMks 400/- Madras 26th January 1933
On demand Pay this Second of Exchange
( First of the Same tenor and date being unpaid to the Order of
Herr H. Lesche, Four hundred Reichsmarks
for value received
To the for the
Deutsche Bank National Bank of India Limited
Berlin, Germany Dawood
sd Account
====================================================
ANDHRA UNIVERITY
J. V. D. COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
From : Prof. K. R. Rao, M.A., WALTAIR
D.Sc.(Madras) D.Sc.(London) [AU Emblem] Date: 13-3-1954
Professor and Head of
the Physics Dept.
Dear. Dr. Bhimasenachar,

-----------The lists of allocation are put in the
files.(Note there is some equipment belonging to me---personal property, that is retained in the laboratory---------
P.S. I am leaving the place tomorrow by mail.
Dr.K.R. Rao.(initials)
================================================
ATTITUDE OF TRADITION:

In one of the letters by J. S. Badami there was a specific mention of the leadership business attitude of Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao in providing, stimulating with uncanny and uncommon abilities (as endorsed by no less person than the Chairman of the Nobel Committee at Uppsala, Fysikum, Professor Manne Siegbahn) to promote and establish schools of excellent research work. It was Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao ,who first informed the selection of PROF R for the Nobel Prize in Physics, from Fysikum, University of Uppsala, Sweden but Prof K. R. Rao could not have suggested it for himself. He was not interested in Prizes. This fact is clearly reflected in the letter of J S Badami dated 26th February 1932 from Berlin since Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao ambition was totally different.