Russell Henry Chittenden papers

The Russell H. Chittenden Papers, which span the years 1870 to 1945, include correspondence, writings, and miscellaneous files. The papers are largely professional, reflecting Chittenden's training in physiological chemistry and his interest in problems of nutrition.

The correspondence files (1870-1941) contain both personal and professional correspondence, although the bulk of the material is professional. From 1879 to 1893 Wilhelm Kühne, a German physiologist, was a major correspondent. In 1875 he had read a paper by Chittenden and in 1878 invited him to be his student and lecture assistant at the University of Heidelberg. In 1880, a year after his return from Germany, Chittenden was awarded the Ph.D. and two years later was appointed professor of physiological chemistry in the Sheffield Scientific School at Yale University. Shortly thereafter he became a member of the governing board of the school and its permanent secretary. From 1908 to 1914 Chittenden served on the referee board of consulting scientific experts to the Secretary of Agriculture, a forerunner of today's Food and Drug Administration. There is a good deal of correspondence with Ira Remsen, a chemist who was chairman of this board, regarding experiments and findings, as well as briefs, minutes, and reports on the work of the board.

Chittenden's writings span the years 1898 to 1945 and include drafts of scientific papers, speeches, and an extensive autobiography (Box 2, folders 35-37). Dated writings are arranged in chronological order. Undated writings are divided into two alphabetical sections, each representing a major interest: nutrition and science, and the Sheffield Scientific School and education.

Among the miscellaneous files are notes and papers on chemistry and nutrition, and memorabilia from professional organizations. There are also many tributes and honors awarded to Chittenden.

The papers were donated by Russell H. Chittenden to Yale University in 1944. For related papers see the Records of the Sheffield Scientific School, 1846-1956, YRG 31.