The Jelliffe Papers consist of biographical information and letters written by Jelliffe to Helena Dewey Leeming during a year’s journey to Europe in 1890-1891. The biographical information (1 folder, ca. 1975) consists of genealogical information prepared by Helena Woodruff Jelliffe Goldschmidt, daughter of Dr. & Mrs. Jelliffe, on an application form submitted to the Colonial Dames of America. Biographical sketches of Dr. Jelliffe are also included in this folder.

Most of the collection is comprised of letters Jelliffe wrote to Miss Leeming (1890-1891, l box) prior to their marriage in 1894. Dr. Jelliffe took a year’s voyage to Europe, which proved to be the first of his many Wanderjahre. He travelled throughout Holland, Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, Italy, and France, completing his trip in England. He took a wide range of postgraduate training in the great medical centers of Europe, particularly in Vienna. He showed little interest in neurology and psychiatry in these letters, though his interest in botany continued. Jelliffe wrote long detailed letters almost daily. Though they can be considered love letters, they also describe his activities, the art exhibits and opera performances he attended, his observations, and the scenery. Many of the letters are highlighted by artistic sketches of people, buildings, and sites he thought interesting. Little if any information regarding psychiatry is contained in these letters, but his early thought patterns and interests are revealed. Jelliffe numbered each sheet of his letters. They are in chronological order. This system of arrangement has been followed. The collection has no series and needs to be reprocessed.