Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Haagen-Smit, Arie Jan (Chemist)
- Abstract:
- Arie Jan Haagen-Smit (1900-1977), Dutch-born organic chemist and specialist in plant growth hormones, later responsible for determining the chemical nature of smog in Los Angeles and active in implementing measures for its abatement in California and nation-wide.The Haagen-Smit papers include publications files, speeches, biographical material, and a small amount of correspondence and subject files.
- Extent:
- 8 linear feet (16 archival boxes, 1 flat over size box)
- Language:
- English .
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The Arie Haagen-Smit papers include publications files, speeches, biographical material, and a small amount of correspondence and subject files.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Arie Jan Haagen-Smit (December 22, 1900 – March 17, 1977) was born and raised in the Dutch city of Utrecht. He received all his degrees from the University of Utrecht, graduating in 1922 with a major in organic chemistry and minor in mathematics, and eventually earning a master's degree in 1926 and his PhD in 1929. After completing his doctorate, he accepted a position as chief assistant in organic chemistry at the University where he became an expert in plant derived chemicals. He held this position from 1929 until 1935.
In 1937, Haagen-Smit was invited by Caltech's biology division chair Thomas Hunt Morgan to become an associate professor of bio-organic chemistry—attaining full professorship by 1940. And in 1965, Haagen-Smit became the director of Caltech's Plant Environmental Laboratory, which he would lead until 1971 when he retired.
Haagen-Smit is best known for his research in air pollution. Starting in 1948, using techniques he had developed for his work on the biosynthesis of essential oils, Haagen-Smit looked for a possible connection to crop plant damage from smog. Known as the "father" of air pollution control, Haagen-Smit would link the nature and sources of smog to automobile exhaust and industrial fuel combustion—namely the result of a photochemical reaction when exhaust reacts with sunlight to create ozone.
Haagen-Smit continued his research and focus on air pollution into the 1950s, and was instrumental in the adoption of vehicle emissions control standards. In 1968, Haagen-Smit would become the first California Air Resources Board chairman, appointed by then Governor Ronald Reagan. He would continue to be actively engaged in the pursuit of better air quality standards until his death from lung cancer in 1977.
The transcript of an oral history with his widow, Zus (Maria) Haagen-Smit can be found at Caltech Oral Histories.
- Acquisition information:
- The papers were acquired in December 2007, with two additional boxes received in January 2009. The papers were donated by Zus Haagen-Smit and children, Jim Haagen-Smit and Joanne Demers.
- Processing information:
-
This collection was processed by Loma Karklins and Ruth Sustaita. Materials were removed from file folders and manila envelopes and were replaced with acid-free folders. The original order of materials was kept when available. Some correspondence were placed in chronological or alphabetical order, depending on the record creator's order. Photographs and slides were sleeved in appropriate preservation enclosures. Various metal fasteners were removed and replaced with archival plastic clips.
- Arrangement:
-
The manuscript collection of the Arie Haagen-Smit Papers is composed of five series, organized in seventeen archival boxes, and consists primarily of printed publications and speeches. Very little of Haagen-Smit's research activities or teaching is documented in the collection.
Series 1: Correspondence is organized chronologically, 1948 to 1977, and comprises two archival boxes. The majority of the correspondence is of a general nature; however, there are separate folders of correspondence with such professional organizations as the California Air Resources Board, the Los Angeles Air Pollution Control District, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Series 2: Speeches, which includes conference talks and lectures, encompasses the years 1946 to 1974 and is arranged chronologically. In some instances, various revisions of the same speech are included with the final transcript.
Series 3: Published Material and Notes is comprised of five subseries.
Subseries 1: Publications span the years 1930 to 1976, include reprints and journal articles written by Haagen-Smit and are arranged chronologically by publication date.
Subseries 2: Publications by others are also arranged chronologically by publication date, and span the years 1928 to 1973.
Subseries 3: Reports, dated 1942 to 1976, are organized chronologically, and the titles of reports are given when known.
Subseries 4: Handwritten notes, miscellaneous.
Subseries 5: News clippings and journal articles predominantly cover Haagen-Smit's work and achievements, and cover the 1930s to the 1970s.
Series 4: Photos and slides, ranging from the 1940s to the 1970s, include portrait photos, photos regarding the Los Angeles Air Pollution Control District, as well as personal and family photos.
Series 5: Biographical and Personal, 1929 to 1974, contains a very small amount of biographical material. It includes some personal correspondence, clippings of quotes and humor, resumes and recommendation letters and miscellaneous material. The major portion is comprised of honors, awards, and certificates, including Haagen-Smit's 1929 doctoral certificate from the University of Utrecht.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is available only in the reading room of the Caltech Archives and has not been digitized. Contact the Archives to make an appointment.
- Location of this collection:
-
1200 E. California Blvd.MC B215-74Pasadena, CA 91125, US
- Contact:
- (626) 395-2704