Orlando Aloysius Battista

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Orlando Aloysius Battista – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Orlando Aloysius Battista (1917–1995) was a Canadian-American chemist, inventor, and prolific author. Learn about his scientific breakthroughs, writings, legacy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Orlando Aloysius Battista (June 20, 1917 – October 3, 1995) was a chemist, inventor, and author whose work bridged rigorous industrial research and popular communication of science. Born in Canada and later active in the U.S., Battista is best known for pioneering developments in microcrystalline cellulose and for writing and publishing books and aphorisms intended to make scientific thinking accessible to broad audiences. His career exemplifies the fusion of innovation, public engagement, and moral conviction.

Early Life and Family

Battista was born in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada on June 20, 1917.

As a youth, he contributed to the household by doing tasks such as shoveling snow, running a newspaper route, and working in furnace rooms during cold mornings.

From an early age, he displayed a dual interest: writing and science. At around age 12, he saved enough from his work to buy a typewriter and began writing stories and essays.

Education & Early Professional Work

Battista attended McGill University, where he earned a B.Sc. in chemistry (with first-class honors) while simultaneously helping support his family.

After graduation, he joined American Viscose Corporation (part of the broader viscose / fiber industry) and worked as a research chemist.

Key Scientific Contributions

Microcrystalline Cellulose & Cellulose Chemistry

One of Battista’s most significant scientific contributions was in the controlled hydrolysis of cellulose to produce microcrystalline cellulose (MCC).

Battista’s approach included combining hydrolysis and physical processes (such as sonication) to refine crystallinity and particle size. Microcrystal Polymer Science.

Commercial and Medical Applications

In the 1960s, Battista recognized the medical potential of microcrystalline collagen (a related material derivative) and helped obtain pharmaceutical backing. Through collaboration with Alcon (an eye care / medical products company), Avicon, Inc. was formed to bring a hemostatic agent (called Avitene) to market, used in surgical settings to help blood clot.

Thus, his work bridged basic research, technical development, and applied medical products.

Writing, Philosophy & Public Communication

Battista did not confine himself to the laboratory. He believed in making science intelligible and inspiring to lay readers. Over his career, he published many books, essays, and collections of aphorisms.

Some of his notable books include:

• How to Enjoy Work and Get More Fun Out of Life (1957)

• God’s World and You (1957)

• Fundamentals of High Polymers (1958)

• The Challenge of Chemistry (1959)

• The Power to Influence People (1959)

• Microcrystal Polymer Science (1975)

• O. A. Battista’s Quotations: A Speaker’s Dictionary (1977)

Battista also coined or promoted short, pithy sayings (sometimes called “quotoons” or epigrams) that distilled principles of work, error, habit, and personal conduct.

He often wove together scientific method, moral reflection, and practical advice. In his view, the discipline and clarity required for chemistry could inform life choices and ethics.

Later Career, Recognition & Legacy

In the 1970s, Battista left corporate positions to found his own O. A. Battista Research Institute (circa 1974), with the goal of fostering innovation, creating new products, and promoting a “World Olympiad of Knowledge” to encourage scientific thinking among younger generations.

Battista’s distinctions include:

• Honorary Doctor of Science from St. Vincent College (1955)

• The Anselme Payen Award (by the ACS Cellulose & Renewable Materials Division) in 1985

• A dedicated symposium held by the American Chemical Society in his honor (April 9, 1987)

His technical legacy persists through the widespread use of microcrystalline cellulose and related polymer technologies. Meanwhile, his writings continue to be quoted in motivational, leadership, and scientific-ethos contexts.

Personality, Beliefs & Character

Battista was a devout Catholic and openly expressed his religious beliefs alongside his scientific identity.

From the oral history interview, Battista is described as earnest, disciplined, and self-reflective.

He also maintained a keen awareness of the broader social, ethical, and human implications of scientific work. That is, he did not see science as divorced from moral or cultural life.

Famous Quotes of Orlando A. Battista

Here are some well-circulated quotes attributed to Battista:

• “An error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.”

• “The best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day.”

• “The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it.” (widely attributed in motivational collections)

• “One of the hardest things to teach a child is that the truth is more important than the consequences.” (attributed in some collections of his sayings)

• “The greatest weakness of most humans is their hesitancy to tell others how much they love them while they’re alive.” (often quoted in compilation contexts)

These quotes reflect themes of responsibility, truth-telling, time, and moral courage.

Lessons from Orlando Aloysius Battista

1. Science and communication can (and should) go hand in hand. Battista’s dual career shows that technical excellence and clarity for non-specialists can amplify impact.

2. Innovation often emerges at the intersection. His work on cellulose, polymers, and medical applications demonstrates that new technologies often arise from combining domains (chemistry + medicine + engineering).

3. Error is not failure—unless uncorrected. His emphasis on correcting mistakes underscores a growth mindset essential in research and life.

4. Time and relationships matter. His aphorisms on giving time to children reflect his belief that scientific success is not separate from human responsibility.

5. Ethics and belief enrich science. By integrating faith and reflection, he modeled a view of science not devoid of moral purpose.

Conclusion

Orlando Aloysius Battista was more than a chemist and inventor: he was a bridge between the laboratory and the lay reader, between technical progress and spiritual reflection. His contributions to microcrystalline cellulose and polymer science continue to support industries globally. At the same time, his writings and aphorisms persist as reminders of humility, clarity, responsibility, and the unity of intellect and ethics.