Pencil sketch of Panel for Pier Caps facing East of Chemistry Building (now Dell Butcher Hall)

Abstract

The Chemistry Building (now Dell Butcher Hall) was built in 1925. Four proposed capitals feature: the three fates of academic destiny: Samuel Glenn McCann, Registrar; Harry Caldwell, dean of the Institute, who is measuring (by grades) the thread of knowledge; and Dr. Radoslav Tsanoff, chairman of the Committee on Examinations and Standings who severs the academic thread with a pair of shears. A freshman in Chemistry 100 with his Bunsen burner, extracting poison from the dragon's tooth; William Ward Watkin with a T-square in hand. Architectural students are bowing down in respect. Winged dragon with the head of Harry B. Weiser, Dean of Rice Institute, Chairman of the Chemistry Department.