Bruce Hadley Billings papers, 1944-2004

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Summary

Creators:
Billings, Bruce H., 1915- and Seitz, Frederick, 1911-2008
Abstract:
The collection contains maps, photographs, illustrations, correspondence, reports, proceedings, news clippings, and printed matter relating to the role of technology in programs and projects associated with Taiwanese economic development, agriculture, optics, marine science, the selection of computer technology and industrial equipment, as well as materials on aerial mapping for forestry, highways, and the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
Extent:
8 manuscript boxes (3.2 Linear Feet)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Bruce Hadley Billings papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains maps, photographs, illustrations, correspondence, reports, proceedings, news clippings, and printed matter relating to the role of technology in programs and projects associated with Taiwanese economic development, agriculture, optics, marine science, the selection of computer technology and industrial equipment, as well as materials on aerial mapping for forestry, highways, and the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

Correspondence files include reports on Billings' visits to institutions in the Republic of China (Taiwan). Reports cover proceedings and conferences in joint effort with the government of the United States as well as independent reports and findings from agencies within the Republic of China. Writings cover the programs that Billings spearheaded in Taiwan.

Biographical / historical:

American physicist Bruce Hadley Billings earned his PhD at Johns Hopkins University in 1943.

Billings later served as the American Commissioner of the Joint Commission on Rural Reconstruction (JCRR) in China and concurrently served as the Special Assistant for Science and Technology to the United States Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan) from 1968 to 1973.

In 1970, Billings worked with Bell Telephone Laboratories (Bell Laboratories) and made observations about building telephone components and electronic systems, thus having an impact on trade between Taiwan and the United States and aiding in Taiwan's economic growth. In 1972, Billings was decorated with the Order of Brilliant Stara civilian order from Taiwan for outstanding contributions to the development of its nation given to both domestic and foreign nationals.

In the 1980s, Billings served as director of optical companies such as Bell and Howell LLC., and Taiwan Electro-optical Systems. Billings was assigned five United States patents, including one for an improved bolometer that he co-invented with Walter Hyde and Edgar Barr.

Source:

Bruce Hadley Billings papers, Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Acquisition information:
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library Archives in 1972.
Arrangement:

Files are named and arranged according to the original order imposed by the creator.

Physical location:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.

Terms of access:

For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Bruce Hadley Billings papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Location of this collection:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives, Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6003, US
Contact:
(650) 723-3563
hooverarchives@stanford.edu
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