Mario G. Salvadori Lectures, 1954-1986
Collection context
- Creator:
- Salvadori, Mario, 1907-1997
- Abstract:
- This collection contains full transcripts and notes of lectures given by Professor Mario G. Salvadori on the humanistic aspects of technology. Salvadori delivered most of these lectures in a semester-long course "The cultural impact of engineering." Additional notes from campus lectures were added to this collection in 2018.
- Extent:
- 0.83 linear feet 2 document boxes
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
This collection contains full transcripts of lectures given by Professor Mario G. Salvadori on the cultural impact and content of engineering. Salvadori delivered these lectures in the course Engineering 1101y "The Cultural Impact of Engineering," or alternately "The Cultural Impact of Technology." This introductory course for freshmen addressed the ethical problems and the responsibilities of the engineering profession in the development of a technical culture. Engineering, according to the course description, was "considered both as a technological field of endeavor and as a cultural field interacting with a number of other professional fields, such as medicine and law." In these lectures Salvadori focuses on the origins of engineering and argues for equipping engineers with a broad base of knowledge beyond the sciences.
In 2018, Matthys Levy, a former student, colleague and co-writer of Salvadori, donated to the University Archives addtional lecture notes. These notes include notes from Salvadori's University Lecture (1979) and from The Aesthetics of Technology series (1986).
- Biographical / historical:
-
Mario George Salvadori, born in 1907 in Rome, Italy, was a member of Columbia University's faculty in the areas of engineering and architecture for more than thirty years. After receiving engineering and mathematical doctorates from the University of Rome in 1930 and 1933, Salvadori taught at that institution until 1938. In 1939 he immigrated to the United States where he became a lecturer at Columbia University in 1940. He attained the rank of professor of civil engineering in 1946 and eventually became professor emeritus of architecture and James Renwick Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering in 1975. In 1991 he received the Pupin Medal, the highest honor awarded by the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences for his contribution to science. A pioneer in architectural engineering, Salvadori was a prolific author and consulting engineering for several institutions and projects, most significantly for the Manhattan Project between 1942 and 1944. Salvadori died in 1997.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
There are no restrictions on this collection.
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.
- Terms of access:
-
Single photocopies 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); Mario G. Salvadori Lectures, 1954-1986; Box and Folder; University Archives, Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University in the City of New York.
- Location of this collection:
-
6th Floor East Butler Library535 West 114th StreetNew York, NY 10027, USA
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- uarchives@columbia.edu