the life of Philo T Farnsworth - Early Television Foundation

32 THE STORY OF TELEVISION
chaplain had to counsel Phil against training at the Academy
and gave consideration to taking steps to have him released
from the Navy to return to Brigham Young University.
Then a crushing blow fell
upon the Farnsworth family. Phil's
father contracted pneumonia and died shortly
before Christmas
of 1924. Phil's mother sorely needed the help of her oldest
son, and through the efforts of the naval chaplain and a family
friend, his release from the Navy was secured.
Upon his return to Provo, Phil and his mother worked out
plans to keep the family together and provided for. He got
part-time work to contribute to the family income, and by
careful planning he was able to enter the university as a special
student. Here he spent every spare moment in scientific studies.
It was a great opportunity, and he made the most of it.
With the fear, common with inventors, that the idea might
be stolen from him, Phil was very careful whom he told about
his television scheme. He did feel, however, that he should
discuss it with someone who might give
him additional help.
He talked with his cousin, Crawford, who advised him to discuss
the matter with some of the faculty members of the
university. This was one of the first things he did after enrollment.
The faculty members were most sympathetic and helpful.
They permitted Phil to take the mathematics and electronics
courses that would be helpful in perfecting his invention.
They also gave him the run of the laboratories and
allowed him the use of the meager
facilities. This was heaven
for Phil.
In his classwork he specialized in mathematics, since it
seemed to be the most necessary subject for him to pursue in
order to develop a basic understanding of the physics and electronics
involved in his venture. He was a very apt mathematics
student and was the delight of the faculty who acted as his