In 1941 Eric Zepler became a lecturer in the Department of Physics at Southampton University College. That department was located in the redbrick building now called the David Kiddle Building.

There were seven academic staff in the department, led by Prof A M Taylor, the Acting Head.

Eric Zepler was able to complete the first edition of his book on The technique of radio design, and arrange for it to be published by Chapman and Hall in 1943.

Copies of the first edition and the second edition (published in 1945) are available in the Hartley Library. The contents of both editions of this classic book are summarised on another webpage.

The preface to the first edition included the following tribute: A particular debt of gratitude is owed to Professor A M Taylor for his interest, encouragement and help during the past eighteen months that the author has been working in his department.

Mr S W Punnett was thanked in the preface for helping with proof reading. Wally Punnett was destined to be a close colleague of Eric Zepler throughout his time as Head of the new Department of Electronics, and to carry responsibility for many administrative activities.