Finding Aid to the Joshua Lederberg Papers, 1904-2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Descriptive Summary

Biographical/Historical Note

Collection Summary

Administrative Information

Restrictions

Other Descriptive Information

Series Descriptions

Series I: Biography, 1904-1999

Series II: Academic Career, 1925-1999 (bulk 1947-1978)

Series III: Correspondence, 1935-1999
Subseries: CA
Subseries: CB
Subseries: CC
Subseries: CD
Subseries: CE
Subseries: CF
Subseries: Chronological

Series IV: Research, 1941-1999

Series V: Writings, 1941-2001

Series VI: Public Service, 1929-2000

Series VII: Consulting Work, 1948-2000

Series VIII: Calendar Files (Pastcal), 1947-1999

Series IX: Photographs, ca. 1910-2002

Series X: Audiovisual Materials, 1953-2001

Series II: Academic Career, 1925-1999 (bulk 1947-1978), 2.0 linear feet

The Academic Career Series contains material documenting Lederberg’s long career in academia as both a professor and administrator, from his 1947 appointment as head of the genetics department at the University of Wisconsin, to his tenure as chairman of the genetics department at Stanford University and his term as president of Rockefeller University. The series reflects key moments in his career and provides information on the many organizations he belonged to throughout his life.

The series is divided into three sub-series: University of Wisconsin, 1947-1959; Stanford University, 1958-1978; and Rockefeller University, 1978-1990. Folders are arranged chronologically by sub-series, and within sub-series folders appear alphabetically by folder title. All folders follow this scheme except for those in the Rockefeller University sub-series. There the folders are arranged chronologically by sub-sub-series. Documents within folders are usually arranged in chronological order. Document types found in the series include correspondence, reports, meeting minutes, grant proposals, applications, articles/clippings, notes, publications, and memoranda.

II.1 University of Wisconsin, 1947-1959, 1.12 linear feet

The University of Wisconsin sub-series contains material Lederberg collected during his tenure at that institution. Included is documentation on his participation in the development and eventual chairmanship of the Department of Medical Genetics at the University. Also documented is material concerning the controversy surrounding his hiring. A report from May 27, 1999 by Susan McDonough, a historian hired by Lederberg to document and organize his papers at Rockefeller University before they were donated to the National Library of Medicine, contains more information on Lederberg’s controversial application to the University. The report is located in the appendix of this finding aid.

II.2 Stanford University, 1958-1978, .75 linear feet

The Stanford University sub-series contains correspondence and other materials related to Lederberg’s role in the development of the institution’s Department of Genetics. There is also material concerning Lederberg’s ongoing research on the causes and effects of low birthrate in human fetuses located in the “Stanford University; Department of Genetics; Correspondence; Center for the Advanced Studies in Behavioral Sciences (CASBS) [1971]” folder. (For further information about CASBS, please see VI.3 Center for the Advanced Studies in Behavioral Sciences sub-series of the Series VI: Public Service.)

II.3 Rockefeller University, 1978-1990, .13 linear feet

The Rockefeller University sub-series documents Lederberg’s installation as the President of the University in 1978. There are correspondence, printed programs, and articles in the sub-series.

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