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

Abstract

The Chemistry Building (now Keck 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.