The American Philosophical Society (APS)’s Library & Museum in Philadelphia has recently processed and acquired a number of new collections of interest to the CHSTM community.
Newly-processed collections in the history of biology include the Charles W. Cotterman Papers (19.5 linear feet), focused especially on his work in medical and mathematical genetics as well as eugenics; the Annemarie Weber Papers (1.75 linear feet), which are especially rich in material related to muscle physiology; and the papers of embryologist Emil Witschi (20 linear feet). Those interested in crystallography should make special note of the A. Lindo Patterson Papers (30 linear feet). Historians of the physical sciences will no doubt find plenty of interest in the Richard Garwin Papers, which spans 219 linear feet and contains material related to his 41 year career–including his work with IBM and JASON.
A few collections currently in the midst of being processed include the Freeman Dyson Papers, the Sheldon Glashow Papers, and the John Opitz Papers. The “Research” Series of the Barbara McClintock Papers is also in the midst of being reprocessed with the goal of increasing access to the materials therein.
In terms of acquisitions, the APS has acquired several new collections related to cell biology, including the personal papers and library of American cell biologist Joseph Gall, as well as papers representing the work and careers of electron microscopist and development biologist Clara Franzini-Armstrong, and her husband, physiologist Clay Armstrong. Recent additions and new accessions of papers from Richard Lewontin, Masatoshi Nei, Eric Pianka, and Ralph Garruto build on the Library & Museum’s existing collection strengths in evolutionary biology, genetics, and medical anthropology. Historians of science also continue to be well-represented within the APS’s holdings thanks to the acquisition of papers from J. Robert Oppenheimer-biographer Martin Sherwin; research materials and drafts from historian of biology and Soviet science specialist Mark Adams; and more than 600 books related to the history of astronomy gifted from the personal library of astronomer and historian of astronomy Owen Gingerich.
Questions about how to access the APS’s history of science collections–including unprocessed material and new acquisitions–may be directed to Adrianna Link at alink@amphilsoc.org.