When the university opened on March 3, 1868, seventy students began their classes. In April, Gregory employed Thomas J. Burrill as Assistant Professor of Natural History. Active in the Illinois Natural History Society, Burrill had graduated from Illinois State Normal College in 1865 with a degree in Natural History. He was in close contact with the leaders and literature of academic science.
The Thomas J. Burrill Papers, 1854-1931 (RS 15/1/20, RS 15/4/1, RS 15/4/20; 1 c.f.) contain material on bacteriology, plant pathology, microscopy, and the application of scientific research to the agricultural and commercial needs of the state. The Charles F. Hottes Papers, 1891-1965 (RS 15/4/21; 2 c.f.) relate to plant physiology and adaptations, cytology, botanical research, German science, lumbering, and travelogues. The William Trelease Papers, 1868-1945 (RS 15/4/22; 3 c.f.) include material on biologists, taxonomy, oaks and agave, Wood's Hole, Missouri Botanical Garden, and the history of biology.
The Arthur G. Vestal Papers, 1899-1964 (RS 15/4/24; 3 c.f.) contain documents on botany field trips, grasslands research, and plant communities. The Robert Emerson Papers, 1923-59 (RS 15/4/28; 3 c.f.) relate to photosynthesis, solar energy, and publications. The Eugene I. Rabinowitch Papers, 1924-73 (RS 15/4/23; 14 c.f.) contain material on photosynthesis, photochemistry, and nuclear policy. The Harry J. Fuller Papers, 1932-73 (RS 15/4/25; 1 c.f.) relate to botanical instruction and the Plant Sciences Bulletin. The Lindsay M.Black Papers, 1929-90 (RS 15/4/29; 4 c.f.) include files on plant viruses and cell structures.
The Leverett A. Adams Papers, 1919-61 (RS 15/24/25; 2 c.f.) relate to animal physiology and museum work. The Wilbur M. Luce Papers, 1924-79 (RS 15/24/27; 2 c.f.) document genetics research based on drosophila melanogaster. The Lyell J. Thomas Papers, 1908-66 (RS 15/24/23; 3 c.f.) include material on parasitology and the Illinois Junior Academy of Science. The S. Charles Kendeigh Papers, 1919-85 (RS 15/24/26; 34 c.f.) relate to ornithology, avian ecology, bird migrations, animal biology, and natural areas. The James B. Kitzmiller Papers, 1945-82 (RS 15/24/28; 1 c.f.) contain files on the cytogenetics of mosquitoes and malaria control. The Edwin M. Banks Papers, 1943-85 (RS 15/41/20; 12 c.f.) include material on animal motivation and instinct behavior, vertebrate psychology, and social behavior.
Small collections relating to parisitology include papers of Ernest C. Faust, 1919-64 (RS 26/20/1; 1 c.f.), William W. Cort, 1964 (RS 26/20/2; 1 c.f.), and Paul C. Beaver, 1929-70 (RS 26/20/78; 1 c.f.). The Demitri B. Shimkin Papers, 1935-92 (RS 15/2/26; 21 c.f.) contain extensive source material on public health and tropical medicine. The Allan Chase Papers, 1933-93 (RS 15/19/120; 18 c.f.) relate to genetics and the history of medical science.
The Natural History Survey Subject File, 1879-1931 (RS 43/1/5; 25 c.f.) contains files on wildlife management, especially birds, fish, and insects. Entomological field work is covered in Correspondence Files, 1888-1919 (RS 43/4/1©5; 7 c.f.) and forestry field work is covered in Correspondence Files, 1919-29 (RS 43/2/1; 4 c.f.). The Ralph Yeatter Papers, 1932-70 (RS 43/7/20; 7 c.f.) include material on prairie chickens and habitats. Natural History Survey publications include research studies.
Additional source material for research in the life sciences may be found in official records, personal papers, and publications of the Colleges of Agriculture and Medicine and Department of Chemistry.
University Archives
19 Library
1408 West Gregory Drive
Urbana, IL 61801
Telephone (217) 333-0798
Fax (217) 333-2214
Last updated June 17, 1996.
