Philip (Cornelius Becker) papers, 1900-1987

Collection context

Summary

Title:
Cornelius Becker Philip papers
Dates:
1900-1987
Creators:
Philip, Cornelius B. (Cornelius Becker), 1900-1987
Abstract:
Extent:
29+ boxes, 11.2 cu.ft.
Language:
Preferred citation:

Cornelius Becker Philip papers. California Academy of Sciences

Background

Scope and content:

The papers of entomologist Cornelius Becker Philip, Research Associate and Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences, expert in disease bearing insects. Includes correspondence, personal items, negatives, photographs, and drawings.

Biographical / historical:

Cornelius Becker Philip was born in Fort Lupton, Colorado, on 12 June 1900. He graduated from the University of Nebraska (1923), and obtained a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Minnesota (1932). Philip participated in the Rockefeller Foundation (1928-1929) in the study and control of yellow fever in West Africa. Later employed at the Rocky Mountain Laboratory, U.S. Public Health Service, Hamilton, Montana (Associate to Principal Medical Entomologist 1930-1970, Assistant Director 1950-1962, Director 1962-1964) he became recognized as a world expert in ticks, biting flies, and the diseases they transmit. During World War II he served as a member of the U.S. Typhus Commission developing protective measures against scrub typhus, a mite-borne disease of the Armed Forces in the Pacific. Upon his retirement from government service at the age of 70, he continued his scientific career as a Research Associate of the California Academy of Sciences (1970-1987, Fellow, 1972). Philip was acknowledged as a Mayo Foundation and Theobald Smith lecturer (1940, 1948), Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellow (1941-1942), Outstanding Achievement Alumnus award University of Minnesota (1960), and Consultant, Pan American Health Organization (1962-1970). Organizational memberships included the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Society of Parasitology (Vice-President 1948, President 1953), Entomological Society of America (Board of Governors 1959-1962), American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (Council 1960), and Pacific Coast Entomological Society (President 1974).

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by California Academy of Sciences staff.
Date Prepared:
1900-1987
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Access is unrestricted

Preferred citation:

Cornelius Becker Philip papers. California Academy of Sciences

Location of this collection:
55 Music Concourse Drive
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA 94118, US
Contact:
(415) 379-5487