Kōji Nakanishi papers, 1949-2010

Collection context

Creator:
Nakanishi, Kōji, 1925-2019
Extent:
34 linear feet (34 record storage cartons)
Language:
English , Japanese .
Scope and content:

The collection consists of the professional papers of Koji Nakanishi. The files contain correspondence with collaborators, graduate students, and others in the scientific community; files related to patents owned by Nakanishi; and subject files highlighting Nakanishi's scholarly interests and scientific pursuits throughout his career.

Biographical / historical:

Koji Nakanishi is a bioorganic chemist and Columbia University professor emeritus of chemistry.

Nakanishi was born in Hong Kong on May 11, 1925. He attended Nagoya University where he received his bachelor's, and later his PhD in chemistry. Nakanishi did post-graduate work at Harvard University before returning to Japan where he taught chemistry at a number of Universities.

Nakanishi joined the faculty of Columbia University in 1969 where he taught chemistry and established a natural-products research lab. He and remained part of Columbia's chemistry department for the rest of his career. In 1980 he became the Centennial Professor of Chemistry and is currently a professor emeritus.

Nakanishi's career has focused largely on animal and human vision, including studies intended to accelerate the development of a treatment for macular degeneration. With his current group of graduate students, he is also studying the effects of gingko biloba extract on neurological disorders.

He has received numerous awards and prizes for his scientific work, and the Nakanishi Prize awarded jointly by the American Chemical Society and the Chemical Society of Japan is names in his honor.

Koji Nakanishi has two children, three grandchildren, and is an enthusiastic amateur magician.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection has no 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.

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); Koji Nakanishi Papers; Box and Folder (if known); Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New 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:
rbml@library.columbia.edu