Scope and Contents
The papers consist of patient files, correspondence, writings, subject files, and other materials documenting the careers of Helen Coley Nauts and her father, William Coley. The collection includes information regarding the use of "Coley toxins," a vaccine developed by Coley and promoted by Nauts, which has been used successfully in the treatment of cancer.
Dates
- 1875-2000
Creator
Conditions Governing Access
The material is unprocessed and may contain sensitive information or be in a physical state that would prohibit use. Researchers wishing to request access should email mssa.assist@yale.edu . The request should outline the scope and purpose of the research project, why the researcher believes the material is relevant to their project, and contact information. If possible the request should also include a list of specific material of interest including collection, box, and folder numbers (or folder descriptions if folders are not numbered). The review may take several weeks.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright is retained by the Donor of this collection for materials authored or otherwise produced by Helen Coley Nauts. After the lifetime of the Donor, copyright passes to Yale University. 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 Phyllis Nauts, 2001.
Arrangement
Arranged in six series: I. Helen Coley Nauts Active Files. II. William B. Coley Medical Files. III. Cancer Research Institute Files. IV. Helen Coley Nauts Family Papers. V. William B. Coley Work Files and Family Papers. VI. Writings and Miscellaneous.
Extent
117.5 Linear Feet (119 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Catalog Record
A record for this collection is available in Orbis, the Yale University Library catalog
Persistent URL
Overview
The papers consist of patient files, correspondence, writings, subject files, and other materials documenting the careers of Helen Coley Nauts and her father, William Coley. The collection includes information regarding the use of "Coley toxins," a vaccine developed by Coley and promoted by Nauts, which has been used successfully in the treatment of cancer.
Biographical / Historical
Helen Coley Nauts was born September 2, 1907, in Sharon, Connecticut, to William Bradley and Alice (Lancaster) Coley. In 1953, she founded the Cancer Research Institute, largely to support research relating to the work of her father, a surgeon and cancer specialist who, prior to his death in 1936, developed an early form of immunotherapy as a method for treating cancer. To treat cancer patients, Dr. Coley administered "Coley toxins," a mixture of live bacteria intended to spark the body into producing its own defenses against the disease. Although Coley recorded many successes with his treatment, his work became overshadowed by radiation and chemotherapy. Through the Cancer Research Institute, Helen Coley Nauts succeeded in bringing attention to Dr. Coley's work by putting together case studies, publishing monographs, advocating this treatment to doctors and patients, and raising and disbursing funds for cancer research. In the process, Nauts served as executive director of the Cancer Research Institute from 1953 to 1982 and remained actively involved in the organization until her death on January 2, 2001.
- Title
- Preliminary Guide to the Helen Coley Nauts Papers
- Status
- Under Revision
- Author
- compiled by Tom Hyry and Christine Weideman
- Date
- January 2000
- 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)
mssa.assist@yale.edu
Yale University Library
P.O. Box 208240
New Haven CT 06520-8240 US
(203) 432-1735
(203) 432-7441 (Fax)
mssa.assist@yale.edu
Location
Sterling Memorial Library
Room 147
120 High Street
New Haven, CT 06511