Description
These papers document the career of Jesse L. Greenstein, a Harvard educated astronomer who came to the California Institute
of Technology in 1948 to run the astronomy program. While at Caltech he did research on stellar composition and high resolution
spectra using the Palomar telescope. The papers consist of correspondence, technical material, professional organizational
material, class and lecture notes, and subject files. They emphasize Greenstein's research on the discovery of peculiar stars
and the study of their composition from their spectra.
Background
Jesse Leonard Greenstein was born in New York City, where his family ran a prosperous real estate business. Although he was
expected to join the family business, Greenstein had other interests. As a boy he was an avid reader and an enthusiastic student.
His interests ranged from classical languages and literature to science. When he was eight years old his grandfather presented
him with a brass telescope and a tripod, and his interest in astronomy flourished. He was soon lecturing to his friends about
the planets and stars. Something of a child prodigy, he skipped through the New York public schools and went on to attend
a private high school, the Horace Mann School for Boys, from the ages of 11 to 15. His interest in science continued to grow,
and when he entered Harvard at age 16, he was committed to pursuing a life in science.
Restrictions
Copyright may not have been assigned to the California Institute of Technology Archives. All requests for permission to publish
or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of the Archives. Permission for publication is given on
behalf of the California Institute of Technology Archives as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include
or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.
Availability
The collection is open for research. Researchers must apply in writing for access.