Herbert Robbins papers 6913637Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Butler Library, 6th FloorColumbia University, Mail Code 1127535 W. 114th St.New York, NY 10027Business Number: (212) 854-5153Fax Number: (212) 854-1365rbml@libraries.cul.columbia.eduURL:

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This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-01-20 20:21:50 -0500.EnglishDescribing Archives: A Content Standard2018-09-07File created.2019-05-20EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration. Rare Book and Manuscript Library Herbert Robbins papers Robbins, Herbert 6913637 MS#1913 English /repositories/2/resources/5438 2.5 linear feet 4 manuscript boxes, 1 flat box 1940s-2001 Restrictions on Access

This collection has no restrictions.

 Processing Information

Collection-level record describing unprocessed material made public in summer 2018 as part of the Hidden Collections initiative.

 Restrictions on Access

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.

 Summary

This collection consists of the papers of Herbert E. Robbins (1915-2001), Professor of Mathematical Statistics at Columbia University.

 Preferred Citation

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Herbert Robbins Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

 Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

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.

 Immediate Source of Acquisition

accn number: Source of acquisition--[source of acquisition]. Method of acquisition--Gift, Purchase, etc; Date of acquisition--date.

 Biographical / Historical

Robbins developed several widely used statistical techniques and is best known for the book ''What Is Mathematics?'' which he wrote with the mathematician Richard Courant. Published in 1941, the book was praised by Albert Einstein. It surveyed a wide range of advanced mathematics in a manner understandable to nonmathematicians.

 Processing Information

Papers reviewed as part of the hidden collections unprocessed review in fall 2018. Papers deemed sufficiently housed and described without further intervention.

 Accruals

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

 Statistics Personal papers Mathematics Robbins, Herbert Columbia University. Department of Mathematics Box 1/repositories/2/archival_objects/3840711Scope and Contents

Early work and lectures; World War II work; correspondence from 1943 on; Argonne Lab affirmation

Box 2/repositories/2/archival_objects/3840722Scope and Contents

Correspondence; manuscripts; elections

Box 3/repositories/2/archival_objects/3840733Scope and Contents

Lectures on Probability (1941 and 1965); Topology lecture; Exams; Syllabi

Box 4/repositories/2/archival_objects/3840744Scope and Contents

Speaking invitations; papers in honor of Robbins; clippings; printed material by Robbins

Flat box/repositories/2/archival_objects/384075Flat boxScope and Contents

Photographs and posters