Collection ID: 4078681 MS#0327

Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Davis, Bergen, 1869-1958
Extent:
1.83 linear feet and 2 manuscript boxes and one record carton
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Bergen Davis papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Background

Scope and Content:

Professional papers of Davis, including correspondence, manuscripts, photographs, memorabilia, and printed materials. The correspondence consists chiefly of Davis' typescript carbons of his letters to Columbia colleagues, other physicists, and other individuals at various manufacturers of equipment. The topics covered deal with Columbia students, faculty, course and research work, and his life long interest in the study of x-rays. The majority of these files cover the years 1914 to 1921 and 1932 to 1936. The cataloged letters include one each from Michael I. Pupin, Isidor I. Rabi, and Robert Simpson Woodward, one lengthy letter from Davis, and ten letters from Nicholas M. Butler. Also included are letters from Marie Clark Davis relating to the research of Lucy J. Hayner and Harold Webb for Webb's biography of Davis that appeared in the National Academy of Sciences' BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS (v. 34, 1960) along with extensive notes, bibliographies and manuscript and typescript versions of Webb's article. There are also manuscripts, typescripts, and notes by Davis relating to his research and writings, photographs of Davis and of his x-ray spectograph, and clippings and memorabilia of his life and work.

Biographical / Historical:

Professor of Physics, Columbia University, 1903-1939 (Columbia University A.M., 1900; Ph.D., 1901; D.D. Sc., 1929). Married Marie Clark in 1927.

Acquisition information:
Source of acquisition--Physics Department. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--1978. Accession number--M-78.
Custodial history:

Gift of the Columbia University Physics Department, 1978; transferred from the Pegram Papers, 1979.

Processing information:

Cataloged Christina Hilton Fenn 06/--/89.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged into two series.

Accruals:

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

PREFERRED CITATION:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Bergen Davis papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th St.
New York, NY 10027, United States
CONTACT:
(212) 854-5590
rbml@library.columbia.edu