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Edward Claudius Herrick papers

 Collection
Call Number: MS 691
Scope and Contents

The Edward Claudius Herrick Papers date from 1827 to 1862 and are arranged in five series: I. CORRESPONDENCE, II. SCIENTIFIC FILES, III. YALE UNIVERSITY FILES, IV. FINANCIAL AND LEGAL FILES, and V. MISCELLANEOUS NOTES AND MEMORABILIA.

With few exceptions, CORRESPONDENCE is only incoming letters. Most of the letters deal with scientific subjects; in particular there is a great deal of correspondence about the aurora borealis. Among the important correspondents are Louis Agassiz, James D. Dana, Thaddeus William Harris, Elias Loomis, Lambert-Adolphe Jacques Quetelet, William C. Redfield, Samuel H. Scudder, Benjamin Silliman, Benjamin Silliman, Jr., and William Tully.

SCIENTIFIC FILES is primarily concerned with Herrick's work in astronomy and entomology. His memoranda, notes, and observations of the aurora borealis constitute a major part of the astronomical papers. Herrick's entomological specialty was the Hessian fly, which he spent nine years studying. The papers representing this study include notes, observations, and drawings.

Herrick served as librarian of Yale College from 1843 to 1858. In YALE UNIVERSITY FILES are many records concerning the early years of the Yale College Library. Included are catalogues, invoices, and memoranda regarding books Yale had or wanted to purchase.

After the death of James Kingsley, Herrick assumed responsibility for the Yale College triennial catalogues. His papers include memoranda on the writing and publishing of the catalogue, and information for Yale classes 1847, 1850, 1853, 1856, 1859, and 1862.

FINANCIAL AND LEGAL FILES contains both personal financial records and the business records of Herrick and Noyes, Booksellers.

Of interest in MISCELLANEOUS NOTES AND MEMORANDA are memoranda concerning New Haven, especially the bicentennial celebration and the colonial burial ground.

The papers were transferred from Beinecke Rare Book Library in 1973. Herrick's papers as Yale University treasurer will be found in the Yale archives record group, Finance and Administration, Treasurer's Records (YRG 5-B).

Conditions Governing Access

The materials are open for research.

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Unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection are in the public domain.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

Transferred from the Beinecke Rare Book Library in 1973.

Arrangement

Arranged in five series: I. Correspondence. II. Scientific Files. III. Yale University Files. IV. Financial and Legal Files. V. Miscellaneous Notes and Memorabilia.

Dates
1797-1862
Extent
10.83 Linear Feet (17 boxes)
Related Names
Herrick, Edward Claudius, 1811-1862
Language of Materials
English