As a child, Steinmetz — who inherited his father’s short stature and hunched back — developed a somewhat gruff demeanor, but enjoyed practical jokes and card tricks, loved to debate, and excelled in mathematics and science.

At the University of Breslau, Steinmetz specialized in mathematical physics and enjoyed an active social life. He joined the mathematics club, where — as a nod to both his figure and intelligence — Steinmetz earned the nickname Proteus, after the prophetic “old man of the sea” in Greek mythology.

GE played up the Steinmetz myth, printing photos and publishing descriptions of both Steinmetz’s scientific breakthroughs and his eccentricities — a fondness for exotic plants and animals, the unusual work environment of his Mohawk River cabin. Americans had begun to distrust powerful corporations, and this odd yet brilliant man whose physical appearance seemed to belie his intellect helped humanize GE.