Edward S. Morse Notebooks
Content Description
This collection contains four volumes of papers and publications by Edward S. Morse. The publications feature his work in various scientific and naturalist journals, including the Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural History. There are many illustrations by hand of various members of the mollusk family, as well as birds. Tucked into volumes are letters about his publication and studies and illustrated book plates from other publications. The four volumes are: Land and Freshwater Mollusks of Maine, Systematic Position of the Brachiopoda, On the Tarsus and Carpus of Birds, and Drawings of North American Mollusks.
Dates
- 1857 - 1962
- Majority of material found within 1860 - 1874
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for use. Some of the papers and the binding are fragile and require special care instructions.
Conditions Governing Use
Dated materials are in the public domain, but other materials are still under copyright by other individuals and organizations. The researcher assumes all responsibility for identifying copyright holders and attaining permission for reproduction.
Biographical / Historical
Edward Sylvester Morse (1838-1925) was a scholar of zoology, archaeology, and Japan. Elected to curator of Mollusks at the Boston Society of Natural History in 1867, Morse also was at various times the director of the Peabody Academy of Science (now the Peabody Essex Museum), the Keeper of Pottery at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, a member of the American Antiquarian Society, and president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Morse was also awarded orders of merit from Japan and was the chair of comparative anatomy and zoology at Bowdoin College. Morse was a prominent supporter of the theory of evolution. Some of Morse's most important scientific work is on brachiopods and mollusks.
Extent
4 Volumes
0.72 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Latin
Arrangement
Volumes kept intact with nothing removed, presumed to be how it was made.
Custodial History
Gifted by Catharine Robb Whyte, granddaughter of Edward S. Morse and acclaimed artist, in 1962.
Accruals
None are expected.
Processing Information
Emily Buff (Archives Management Graduate Intern)
- Title
- Edward S. Morse Notebooks Finding Aid
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Emily Buff (Archives Management Graduate Intern)
- Date
- January 2025
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Museum of Science, Boston Archives Repository