Scope and Contents
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.
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.
Dates
- 1870-1945
Creator
Conditions Governing Access
The materials are open for research.
Existence and Location of Copies
Autobiography of Russell Henry Chittendenis available on microfilm (274 frames on 1 reel, 35mm.) from Manuscripts and Archives, Yale University Library, at cost. Order no. HM6.
Conditions Governing Use
Unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection are in the public domain. There are no restrictions on use. Copyright status for other collection materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Russell H. Chittenden, 1944.
Extent
1.5 Linear Feet (4 boxes, 1 folio)
Language of Materials
English
Catalog Record
A record for this collection is available in Orbis, the Yale University Library catalog
Persistent URL
Overview
Correspondence, writings and memorabilia almost entirely relating to Chittenden's work as a physiologist and expert on nutrition. Also essays documenting his part in the development at Yale University of the Sheffield Scientific School, which he directed from 1898 to 1922. Important correspondents are Willy Kühne, his professor at the University of Heidelberg, and Ira Remsen, chairman of the Referee Board of Consulting Scientific Experts of the Department of Agriculture, of which Chittenden was a member from 1908 to 1914. Also in the papers are the manuscripts of his autobiography (written in 1936), miscellaneous family papers, diplomas and awards.
Biographical / Historical
Physiological chemist; professor of physiological chemistry at Yale University 1882-1922; director of Sheffield Scientific School, Yale University, 1898-1922, and trustee 1900-1930; member of the Referee Board of the Department of Agriculture 1908-1915.
- Beaumont, William, 1785-1853
- Chemists
- Chittenden family
- Chittenden, R. H. (Russell Henry), 1856-1943
- Europe
- Food additives
- Germany
- Kühne, W. (Willy), 1837-1900
- Medicine
- Nutrition
- Physiologists
- Remsen, Ira, 1846-1927
- Science
- World War, 1914-1918
- Yale University -- Faculty
- Yale University. Sheffield Scientific School
- Title
- Guide to the Russell Henry Chittenden Papers
- Status
- Under Revision
- Author
- compiled by Nancy L. Fappiano
- Date
- November 1981
- Description rules
- Finding Aid Created In Accordance With Manuscripts And Archives Processing Manual
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Part of the Manuscripts and Archives Repository
Contact:
Yale University Library
P.O. Box 208240
New Haven CT 06520-8240 US
(203) 432-1735
(203) 432-7441 (Fax)
beinecke.library@yale.edu
Yale University Library
P.O. Box 208240
New Haven CT 06520-8240 US
(203) 432-1735
(203) 432-7441 (Fax)
beinecke.library@yale.edu
Location
Sterling Memorial Library
Room 147
120 High Street
New Haven, CT 06511