Description
Collection of research notes, business correspondence,
biographical material and offprints from scientific journals from the “father of
vitamins” Casimir Funk (1884-1967). Topics include cancer, diabetes, hormones,
vitamins, ulcers. Material spans his working career from 1904-1967, but is mostly
concentrated on his later career in the United States from 1939-1967.
Background
Known as the “father of vitamins,” Casimir Funk (1884-1967) focused his
investigations into vitamins, as well as extensive research on cancer, diabetes, and
sex hormones. He was the first to isolate niacin, and hypothesized that nutritional
deficiencies can cause certain diseases. Born in Warsaw, he studied in Switzerland
at the University of Bern. He worked at various European labs before he founded the
privately-funded research institute Casa Biochemica in Paris in 1927. He immigrated
to the United States in 1939, where he worked as a consultant for the United States
Vitamin Corporation. In 1940 he founded and acted as president of the Funk
Foundation for Medical Research.
Extent
17 boxes, 1 legal-size box, 1 cd box, 1 flat box.
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to
quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such
activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is
one, obtaining necessary permission rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more
information.