Stanford University, Department of Physics, oral exam questions, 1947-1958

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Summary

Creators:
Stanford University. Department of Physics and Wilson, Perry B.
Abstract:
1 bound volume of handwritten physics oral exam questions.
Extent:
0.25 Linear Feet (1 volume)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], Stanford University, Dept. of Physics, Oral Exam Questions (SC1167). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Background

Scope and content:

Referred to as the "Black Book" or "Doomsday Book," the materials consist of a bound volume of handwritten notes by various Stanford Physics Ph.D. students from 1947-1958. Immediately after completing their oral exams, graduate students would detail their exam questions and experiences (excluding the answers) in the notebook. The volume was passed along to serve as a study guide to other students preparing for their own oral exams who would in turn record their wisdom in the "Doomsday Book."

The first entry was created by Emory H. Rogers on October 20, 1947, and according to Perry B. Wilson (Professor Emeritus, SLAC, and Ph.D. Physics 1958), Rogers may be the one who wrote "Doomsday Book" in the notebook's inside cover. On December 5, 1958, BJ Bjorken wrote the final entry on the book's last page. Approximately 100 students wrote in the book, and there are about 300 pages in the volume.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Perry Wilson, 2009.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The materials are open for research use. Audio-visual materials are not available in original format, and must be reformatted to a digital use copy.

Terms of access:

All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from, or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, California 94305-6064. Consent is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner, heir(s) or assigns. See: http://library.stanford.edu/depts/spc/pubserv/permissions.html.

Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.

Preferred citation:

[identification of item], Stanford University, Dept. of Physics, Oral Exam Questions (SC1167). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Location of this collection:
Stanford University Archives, Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford, CA 94305-6064, US
Contact:
(650) 725-1022
specialcollections@stanford.edu
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