Named in honor of Arnold O. Beckman, the inventor of the first practical electrical pH meter. Through his personal efforts and accomplishments, he has created scientific instrumentation of extraordinary consequence to the world in the areas of chemistry and medicine. He is an alumnus, former professor and past chairman of the Board of Trustees of Caltech. Beckman and his wife, Mabel, throughout their 63 years of marriage developed a partnership that has made a lasting impact on scientific research and education. This minor planet is named in part to commemorate their immeasurable philanthropic gestures. (M 14971) _ _.