At an early age he developed an interest in astronomy, and began making telescopes and grinding lenses and mirrors. He only spent a year in college studying chemical engineering before he began working at a brokerage firm on Wall Street.

During the 1930s, he met Charles Elmer when the latter was presenting a lecture. The two had a mutual interest in astronomy and decided to go into business together. In 1937, they founded Perkin-Elmer as an optical design and consulting company. Richard served as president of the company until 1960, then became chairman of the board.

The crater Perkin on the Moon was named after him, while Elmer was named after his business partner.

Perkin was married to Gladys Frelinghuysen Talmage^[2] who became CEO after he died. A decade later, Gladys commissioned a commemorative history to be written. One hundred copies were printed and distributed to friends.

• Fahy, Thomas P., Richard Scott Perkin and the Perkin-Elmer Corporation, 1987, Perkin-Elmer Print Shop, ISBN 0-9618075-0-4.

• List of astronomical instrument makers

• "Richard S. Perkin". Pittcon Hall of Fame. Chemical Heritage Foundation. Archived from the original on September 27, 2005. Retrieved November 11, 2005.