Bush, Vannevar, 1890-1974

Abstract

These papers document the career of Francis Bitter, who helped establish the National Magnet Laboratory at MIT. The bulk of the collection postdates 1934, when Bitter came to MIT. The papers consist primarily of correspondence with colleagues, professional societies, and concerns that hired him as a consultant.

Scope and Contents of the Collection Collection consists of Fassett's personal correspondence with Welles Bosworth about Bosworth's signs for MIT's campus in Cambridge (Mass.) and for the modification of Copley Square; with Vannevar Bush about Bush's book Science Is Not Enough; with Claire Morton Prince Hanks regarding the Prince-Hanks Fellows, an organization of MIT alumni funded by Hanks; and with Robert L. Van Nice about Van Nice's architectural study of the Mosque of St. Sophia. Also...

Scope and Contents of the Collection

Collection consists of cassettes and a transcript of an interview of Arthur Porter by Mark D. Bowles of Case Western Reserve University, February 6, 1995. The purpose of the interview was to learn about Porter's observations of the differential analyzer in both Britain, where he worked with Douglas Hartree, and the United States where he worked with Vannevar Bush.

Abstract The inauguration of James R. Killian as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's tenth president on April 2, 1949, was preceded by the two-day "Mid-Century Convocation on the Social Implications of Scientific Progress" on March 31 and April 1. The collection contains thirty-seven 7 1/2 ips 7-inch reel-to-reel audio tapes of the three general assemblies and six panel discussions held during the 1949 midcentury celebrations; tapes of the inauguration ceremonies; 1949 video footage...

Abstract The collection consists of records created while Karl Taylor Compton (president 1930-1948) and James Rhyne Killian (president 1948-1959) served in the position of president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It contains correspondence, reports, memoranda, and committee materials about the activities of the presidents and their staff, the definition and evolution of policies, and the administration of the Institute. Records document Compton's early efforts to strengthen the...

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The collection contains records of the Office of the Vice President, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), from the period 1932 to 1938, when Vannevar Bush held the position of vice president. The subjects of the records include finances and academic policy; primarily the collection holds correspondence with MIT administrators, faculty, and others outside MIT engaged in science and technology issues.

Abstract

This collection documents the career of Norbert Wiener. Wiener was a member of the faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1919 to1960 in the Department of Mathematics, and was a leader in the field of cybernetics. The material in this collection includes biographical information, correspondence, course material, manuscripts, and reprints.

Scope and Contents of the Collection In 1964 Eric Hodgins interviewed Bush in preparation for Bush's autobiography, Pieces of the Action (1970). In the 1120-page interview transcript, Bush discussed his family and education at Tufts University; early years at MIT as a member of the Department of Electrical Engineering, his research and patents, including the development of the differential analyzer, and his roles as executive vice president and dean of the School of Engineering; his decision...

Abstract This collection documents the career of Philip Morse. Morse served on the faculty of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1931 to 1969 and was a leader in the field of operations research. The papers consist of biographical information; correspondence; notes; committee minutes; course material; reports; trip diaries; manuscripts; research data and graphs; and reprints and other printed material. The collection also includes a series of administrative records of the Massachusetts...

Abstract The collection documents the career of Robert Jemison Van de Graaff, known for developing high-voltage electrostatic generators used for nuclear structure research, cancer therapy, and radiographic studies. Materials include correspondence, reports, contracts, drawings, and technical notes for major projects Van de Graaff worked on during his tenure at MIT, including projects for the US Office of Scientific Research and Development, as well as materials relating to the courses he taught in...

Scope and Contents The Vannevar Bush Papers consist of correspondence, reports, patent records, notes, memos, manuscript drafts and galley proofs of books and articles, appointment calendars, and reprints primarily from 1956 to 1974. There are three series: 1. Subject Files, 2. Writings, and 3. Appointment Calendars. The collection came in two accessions, and although the two were interfiled, whenever possible the papers were kept in their original order. As a result the subject files are in three sections...