Professor Robert F. Borkenstein - Appreciation of His Life and Work.

Abstract

Few men have made such a significant and sustained contribution to their chosen field of endeavor as Robert F. Borkenstein. He is an international forensic science celebrity, highly respected by his peers. The two most well-known products of his brilliance are the Breathalyzer, invented in 1954, and the "Grand Rapids Study", a seminal work which established the relative risk of being involved in a traffic accident with various blood alcohol concentrations. In addition to his significant scientific achievements, he is greatly admired for his personal qualities, acute wit and total commitment to the cause of traffic safety. This article is a brief review and appreciation of his life and his many accomplishments.