Edward S. Morse Notebooks
Content Description
This collection contains 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 (BSNH), The Nautilus, and Science. There are many illustrations by hand of various members of the mollusk family, as well as close studies of parts of birds. Tucked into volumes are letters about his publications and studies, more illustrations by hand, illustrated book plates from other publications, and handwritten notes. While many of the publications and drawings can be attributed to Morse there are some drawings in pencil that are unattributed.
Dates
- 1857 - 1962
- Majority of material found within 1857 - 1926
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. Morse is also known for Morse's Law, which established a set pattern where mammals and reptiles with reduced fingers lose them in a specific order.
Extent
12 Volumes : 6 volumes and 6 slim pamphlets
1.12 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Latin
German
French
Arrangement
Volumes kept intact with nothing removed, presumed to be how it was made. Kept in order by publication date.
Custodial History
These items were found in storage. Two of the six larger volumes have identical typewritten notes explaining that "four volumes" were gifted by Catharine Robb Whyte, granddaughter of Edward S. Morse and acclaimed artist, in 1962. Some of the volumes are stamped with Morse's name. It is unclear how every piece arrived at the Boston Society of Natural History.
Accruals
None are expected.
Processing Information
While not all items by Morse were found or associated with the provenance note from his granddaughter, they are grouped together because they contain unpublished material by Morse. Processed by 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