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With the exception of letters to John Dewey, George Rives, G. Stanley Hall and some original incoming correspondence, the papers of James McKeen Cattell consist of typescript copies of correspondence with Seth Low, Nicholas Murray Butler, and faculty members, dealing with Psychology Dept. matters, professional matters, and Cattell's battle for academic freedom which ended in his dismissal from and subsequent suit against Columbia. Included are typescript copies of University reports, printed court records, and transcripts of correspondence with Cattell's lawyers.

This collection consists primarily of academic robes and hoods of various Columbia professors and administrators, especially those given to these individuals for honorary degrees at other universities. The collection also contains some other textile materials, including the Women's Banner or Butler Library Banner (in two parts), Columbia College banners and flags, and some crew sweaters. Additional textiles can be found in the University Artifacts Collection (UA#0016).

The materials that comprise the Historical Biographical Files have been collected and added to from a variety of sources over the years by current and previous staff. The files consist of materials related to people who have a connection to the University whether as student, alumni, administrator, faculty, staff, guest lecturer, or honorary degree recipient. Materials generally consist of newspaper and magazine clippings, press releases, programs, ephemera, printed matter, lists, reports, and pamphlets.

This collection contains photocopies of the Columbia College, and later Columbia University, President's annual reports from 1865-1881 and 1887-1948. The reports include fact and figures (enrollment, degrees conferred, tuition, expenses, gifts, etc.) and topical discussions (co-education, new degree programs, higher education and liberal arts education, current events, etc.).

Professional correspondence of Egleston, consisting of incoming letters and technical reports relating to mining engineering and metallurgy; and carbon copies of correspondence between Egleston and Seth Low for the years 1890 to 1900.