The Importance of Archival Sources in Soil Science History Research. (4042)
Authors:
J.P. Tandarich* - Hey and Associates, Inc.
C.J. Johannsen - Purdue University
H. Van Baren - ISRIC, Wageningen, The Netherlands
Abstract:
Archival materials, such as correspondence, diaries and photographs, cement together a person’s life, unlike most published works. For example, daily
correspondence between Louise Moomaw and her father, Curtis F. Marbut, pries open his philosophy and Unitarian religious beliefs that he held in common with his mentors, Nathaniel Southgate Shaler and William Morris Davis. Marbut’s concern about world hunger, his service to humanity, and his use of soil science to help countries become self-sufficient in food production are only revealed through materials in the Archive of Soil Science. The Archive is a cooperative arrangement developed by the SSSA Council on the History, Philosophy and Sociology of Soil Science with the Western Historical Manuscripts Collection of the University of Missouri to promote archival preservation and research. Without such resources, Marbut and other scientists would become one-dimensional men. The Archive welcomes all soil science-related manuscript materials. In addition, members of the Council and its counterpart in the IUSS, Commission 4.5, are compiling a
worldwide reference list of archives for publication.
Speaker Information: John Tandarich, Hey and Associates, Inc., Hey and Associates, Inc. 1141 Commerce Drive, Geneva, IL 60134; Phone: 630-262-1747; E-mail:
Session Information: Wednesday, November 3, 2004, 8:00 AM-4:35 PM Presentation Start: 8:45 AM
