Lynn Thorndike papers, 1902-1963

Creator:

Thorndike, Lynn, 1882-1965

Extent:

60 linear feet 124 boxes 1 flatbox, 2 mapcase drawers

Language:

English , Latin .

Scope and content:

Papers of Thorndike, consisting of correspondence, mansucripts, diaries, notes, photocopies of medieval scientific manuscripts, glass slides, books, pamphlets, and reprints. The correspondence relates to his scholarly research and publication in the field of the history of medieval science. Also, some family and personal correspondence. One half of the collection consists of photostatic copies of manuscripts Thorndike indexed in his major work, A CATALOGUE OF INCIPITS OF MEDIAEVAL SCIENTIFIC WRITINGS IN LATIN (1963), the first draft, final copy, galley proofs, related correspondence, and extensive card files of notes used in compiling the work. There is also a typescript of the 1937 edition. Thorndike's 76 volumes of personal diaries, 1902-1963, detail his daily activities, appointments, trips abroad, and lists of reading. In addition there are his other manuscripts for journal articles and book reviews.

Biographical / historical:

Professor of history at Columbia University. Columbia University A.M., 1903; Ph.D., 1905.

Born in Lynn, MA on 24 July 1882, Thorndike was an authority on medieval history and science. He taught history at Columbia University from 1924 until 1952, when he retired as professor emeritus. He was a fellow of the Medieval Academy of America and helped to found the History of Science Society. Thorndike was also president of the American Historical Association from 1954 to 1955. His major work, A History of Magic and Experimental Science, consists of eight volumes. Thorndike also wrote college textbooks, including The History of Medieval Europe; Place of Magic in the Intellectual History of Europe; A Short History of Civilizations; and Michael Scott, a biography of a medieval scientist published in 1965. He died in New York on 28 December 1965.

Acquisition information:

Source of acquisition--Thorndike, Lynn. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--1963. Accession number--M-63.

Gift of Lynn Thorndike, 1963. Bequest of the estate, 1965. Gift of Robert Thorndike, 1980.

Processing information:

Cataloged Christina Hilton Fenn 09/--/89.

Processed in 1963; Revised by Bernard Crystal, 1972; Revised by Bernard Crystal, 12/1980

Accruals:

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Rules or conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Alternative form available:

Type of reproduction--Photostatic copies in part

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:: Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Lynn Thorndike papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:: Rare Book & Manuscript Library

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Collection