author
Homer J. (Homer Jackson) Dana
1890–1970
Best known for practical engineering guides, this early Washington State researcher wrote with a clear, hands-on style that still feels useful. His work ranged widely across electricity, communications, heating, refrigeration, and other applied problems.
1 Audiobook
The Use of Ropes and Tackle
by Homer J. (Homer Jackson) Dana, W. A. (William Armour) Pearl
About the author
Homer Jackson Dana (1890–1970) was an American engineer, researcher, and teacher closely associated with what is now Washington State University. Archival records from Washington State say he earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1915 and a master's degree in the same field in 1916, then built a career tied to engineering research and instruction there.
His papers and collection records show just how broad his interests were. They describe work in communications, electricity, facsimile transmission, highways, lie detectors, heating, and refrigeration, along with experimental projects on road traffic, heat transfer and storage, and community electricity use.
As an author, he is remembered for practical technical writing rather than literary fame. Public-domain listings connect him with works such as The Use of Ropes and Tackle, and that straightforward, problem-solving approach fits the picture that emerges from the archival record: a versatile engineer focused on making complex things useful.