Heinrich Waelsch collection of documents pertaining to IBRO (International Brain Research Organization), 1952-1991

Finding aid prepared by UCLA Biomedical Library staff; machine-readable finding aid created by Caroline Cubé.
Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library History and Special Collections for the Sciences
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Title: Heinrich Waelsch collection of documents pertaining to IBRO (International Brain Research Organization)
Collection number: 143
Contributing Institution: UCLA Library Special Collections
Language of Material: English
Physical Description: 2.0 linear ft. (2 cartons)
Date (inclusive): 1952-1991
Abstract: Heinrich Waelsch, M.D., Ph.D., an internationally respected researcher, was intimately connected with both the development of the field of neurochemistry and the founding and growth of the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO). This collection covers IBRO documents and correspondence from 1952 to 1991 with the bulk from 1960 to 1965, the years in which Professor Waelsch was Treasurer, Chairman of the Education Committee, or Executive Secretary of the organization. Included are minutes and reports of IBRO governing bodies and committees and a great deal of correspondence. A very few folders deal with Dr. Waelsch's personal correspondence and life.
Physical location: COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF: Open for research. All materials are stored off site and require advance notice for use. Please contact History and Special Collections for the Sciences, UCLA Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library, 310.825.6940, to arrange for use.
Creator: Waelsch, Heinrich 1905-1966

Restrictions on Access

Open for research. STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. All materials are stored off site and require advance notice for use. Please contact History and Special Collections for the Sciences, UCLA Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library, 310.825.6940, to arrange for use.

Restrictions on Use and Reproduction

Property rights in the physical objects belong to UCLA Library Special Collections. Literary rights, including copyright, are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish if the UC Regents do not hold the copyright.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Heinrich Waelsch collection of documents pertaining to IBRO (International Brain Research Organization) (Collection 143). Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library History and Special Collections for the Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles.

Acquisition Information

The collection was deposited in the UCLA Neuroscience History Archives, which transferred it to History & Special Collections for the Sciences, UCLA Library Special Collections, in 2013.

Biography

Heinrich B. Waelsch (1905-1966) was born in Brno, Czechoslovakia, then part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. He graduated in medicine in 1929 and received a doctorate in chemistry a year later, both from the German University of Prague, where he remained until 1938. A fellowship from Columbia University then allowed him to come to the United States. He remained at Columbia University until his death, serving as Chief of Psychiatric Research (Pharmacology) at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Professor of Biochemistry at the College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Early in his career Dr. Waelsch's interest turned to the chemistry of the nervous system, and he became a pioneer in establishing and consolidating neurochemistry as a distinct discipline. Yet in his thinking he also always stressed the interrelationship of chemistry with morphology, physiology and behavior. Dr. Waelsch was a founder of the "Journal of Neurochemistry"; he was also the leader of a small group who organized five International Symposia on Neurochemistry from 1954 to 1962.
Since he believed that neurochemistry should be closely integrated with the other neurosciences, Dr. Waelsch was an early supporter of the idea of an international society supporting brain research. He became one of the founders of the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), and served as its first Treasurer, Chairman of Education Committee, and from 1962-1964 as its second Executive Secretary.

Scope and Content

The collection consists almost entirely of documents and correspondence related to the founding and growth of IBRO (International Brain Research Organization), an independent non-governmental organization with UNESCO affiliation. Included are minutes and reports of IBRO governing bodies and committees and a great deal of correspondence. The bulk of the material dates from 1960 to 1965, the years when Dr. Waelsch was Treasurer, Chairman of the Education Committee, or Executive Secretary of the organization.
The collection is organized into the following series:
  1. Series 1. General (#450), 1952-1966. 31 folders
  2. Series 2. Administrative Bodies (#451), 1960-1965. 11 folders
  3. Series 3. IBRO Bulletin (#452), 1962-1965. 1 folder
  4. Series 4. Subcommittee on Grants and Fellowships (#453), 1961-1965. 4 folders
  5. Series 5. Subcommittee on Brain History (#454), 1962-1965. 1 folder
  6. Series 6. Survey on World Resources and Needs in Brain Research (#455), 1961-1966. 5 folders
  7. Series 7. Subcommittee on Education - Regional Teaching Seminars (#456), 1961-1966. 8 folders
  8. Series 8. Subcommittee on Publications and Scientific Meetings (#457), 1961-1965. 8 folders
  9. Series 9. Major Projects (#458), 1962-1964. 4 folders
  10. Series 10. Miscellaneous (#459), 1957-1991. 7 folders

Related Material

UCLA Catalog Record ID

UCLA Catalog Record ID: 7432955 

Subjects and Indexing Terms

International Brain Research Organization -- history
Waelsch, Heinrich
Neurosciences -- history
Neuroscientists -- Archival resources
Societies, Medical --Collected Correspondence
Societies, Scientific --Collected Correspondence

 

General (#450) Series 1. 1952-1966

Physical Description: 31 folders

Arrangement note

The numbers refer to the IBRO Index to Files (Box 1, Folder 1).
 

Establishement, Organization (#450/1) Subseries 1. 1952-1965

Physical Description: 11 folders
Box 1, Folder 1

Index to IBRO files. 1964.

Scope and Content Note

numerical outline of files, revised November, 1964
Box 1, Folder 2

Early thoughts about international research organizations. 1952-1959.

Scope and Content Note

1952 UNESCO report on creation of an international institute of brain research; "U.S. proposes world medical research program"; drafts of a proposal by H. Waelsch, Joel Elkes, and Seymour Kety for "...formation of an international research institute for the neurological and mental sciences in Western Europe", 1958-59
Box 1, Folder 3

Drafts of proposals to UNESCO for the establishment of an international brain research organization. 1959-1960.

Scope and Content Note

tentative draft, with cover letter, by Mary A.B. Brazier, sent to Working Committee for the Establishment of IBRO, 1959; draft, with cover letter from J. F. Delafresnaye, M.D., Executive Secretary of CIOMS (Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences) sent to Director-General of UNESCO, 1960
Box 1, Folder 4

Reports on organization efforts. 1960-1961.

Scope and Content Note

summaries of first Central Committee meeting conclusions: goals and programs, 1960; progress report, 1961; published booklet "IBRO Programme prospectus, 1961-1964, for the promotion of basic sciences and education in brain research"
Box 1, Folder 5

Organization of members into subject panels. 1959-1960.

Scope and Content Note

individual members were grouped into seven scientific subspecialties: 1. Neuroanatomy 2. Neurochemistry 3. Neuroendocrinology 4. Neuropharmacology 5. Neurophysiology 6. Behavioral Sciences 7. Neurocommunications and Biophysics (plus members-at-large and honorary members)
Box 1, Folder 6

Correspondence. 1960-1961.

Box 1, Folder 7

Earliest published history of IBRO. 1963.

Scope and Content Note

reprint of letter to "Nature" by H. Waelsch, 198(4878):344-346, 1963
Box 1, Folder 8

Incorporation of IBRO. 1961.

Scope and Content Note

incorporation bill passed by the Canadian Senate, and certification of tax exemption in Canada
Box 1, Folder 9

Correspondence - miscellaneous. 1962-1963.

Box 1, Folder 10

Correspondence - with Dr. Paul Dell. 1962-1965.

General note

Dr. Dell was Deputy Executive Secretary for IBRO at that time, and also liaison representative to UNESCO
Box 1, Folder 11

Brain research laboratories. 1963.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence and a very small list from various countries
 

Statutes, Bylaws (#450/2) Subseries 2. 1960-1961.

Physical Description: 2 folders
Box 1, Folder 12

Statutes and Bylaws. 1960-1961.

Scope and Content Note

published booklets in English and French, 1960 and revised 1961 edition; procedures; correspondence
Box 1, Folder 13

Subcommittee on Rules. 1964.

Scope and Content Note

one letter
 

Relations with other organizations (#450/3) Subseries 3. 1960-1965.

Physical Description: 8 folders
Box 1, Folder 14

Relations with UNESCO. 1960-1965.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence
Box 1, Folder 15

Relations with UNESCO. 1962-1964.

Scope and Content Note

official UNESCO documents and reports
Box 1, Folder 16

Relations with UNESCO. 1962.

Scope and Content Note

reprint of "The future natural sciences programme of UNESCO", Nature 195(4838): 215-222, July 21, 1962, and "Some notes on leaving UNESCO", both by Dr. Hilliard Roderick, Deputy Director, Natural Sciences Dept., UNESCO
Box 1, Folder 17

Relations with UNESCO. 1964.

Scope and Content Note

full summary (in English and French) of the discussion on Life Sciences at the UNESCO General Conference
Box 1, Folder 18

Relations with WHO. 1962-1963.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence; summary of discussion at an IBRO/UNESCO/WHO planning meeting on a Project on growth and development of the brain

General note

see also folder on this subject under series: Major Projects
Box 1, Folder 19

Relations with United Nations. 1962-1963.

Scope and Content Note

revised information bulletin: "United Nations Conference on the application of science and technology for the benefit of the less developed areas", 1962; correspondence regarding IBRO representation at the conference
Box 1, Folder 20

Relations with International Non-governmental Organizations (INGOs). 1962-1965.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence; working papers for conference of INGOs in consultative states with UN Economic and Social Council
Box 1, Folder 21

Relations with National organizations. 1962-1965.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence
 

Membership (#450/4) Subseries 4. 1961-1966.

Physical Description: 3 folders
Box 1, Folder 22

Subcommittee on Panel revision. 1961-1964.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence; panel lists; reports
Box 1, Folder 23

Subcommittee on Honorary Members. 1964.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence
Box 1, Folder 24

Correspondence concerning membership. 1962-1966.

 

National Commissions (Committees) for IBRO (#450/5) Subseries 5. 1962-1965.

Physical Description: 2 folders
Box 1, Folder 25

National Committees. 1963-1965.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence
Box 1, Folder 26

U.S. National Committee for IBRO. 1962-1965.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence; reports
 

Budget (#450/6) Subseries 6. 1961-1966.

Physical Description: 5 folders
Box 1, Folder 27

Budget. 1961-1965.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence; reports

General note

Dr. Waelsch served as IBRO Treasurer during 1961-1962
Box 1, Folder 28

Treasurer's report. 1961-1962.

Box 1, Folder 29

Trust fund - Montreal. 1961-1966.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence; bank statements
Box 1, Folder 30

General account - Chase Manhattan Bank. 1962-1966.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence; bank statements
Box 1, Folder 31

Subcommittee on Ways and Means. 1962.

Scope and Content Note

report on a meeting with representatives of WHO and UNESCO
 

Administrative Bodies (#451) Series 2. 1960-1965.

Physical Description: 11 folders
 

Executive Committee (#451/1) Subseries 1. 1961-1965.

Physical Description: 6 folders
Box 1, Folder 32

Executive Committee - general. 1961-1964.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence
Box 1, Folder 33

Executive Committee. 1961.

Box 1, Folder 34

Executive Committee. 1962.

Box 1, Folder 35

Executive Committee. 1963.

Box 1, Folder 36

Executive Committee. 1964.

Box 1, Folder 37

Executive Committee. 1965.

 

Central Council (#451/2) Subseries 2. 1960-1964.

Physical Description: 5 folders
Box 1, Folder 38

Central Council. 1960.

Box 1, Folder 39

Central Council. 1962.

Box 1, Folder 40

Central Council. 1963.

Box 1, Folder 41

Central Council. 1964.

Scope and Content Note

documents and reports
Box 1, Folder 42

Central Council. 1964.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence
 

IBRO Bulletin (#452) Series 3. 1962-1965.

Physical Description: 1.0 folder
Box 2, Folder 1

IBRO Bulletin. 1962-1965.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence
 

Subcommittee on Grants and Fellowships (#453) Series 4. 1961-1965.

Physical Description: 4 folders
Box 2, Folder 2

Reports. 1961-1964.

Box 2, Folder 3

Correspondence. 1962-1964.

Box 2, Folder 4

Fellowships and Teaching Research Teams. 1962-1965.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence

General note

arranged alphabetically by Fellow or Team leader name
Box 2, Folder 5

Correspondence with Dr. V.G. Longo. 1962-1964.

General note

Dr. Longo was Chairman of the Subcommittee
 

Subcommittee on Brain History (#454) Series 5. 1962-1965.

Physical Description: 1.0 folder
Box 2, Folder 6

Correspondence and reports. 1962-1965.

 

Survey on World Resources and Needs in Brain Research (#455) Series 6. 1961-1966.

Physical Description: 5 folders
Box 2, Folder 7

General correspondence. 1962-1965.

Box 2, Folder 8

Organization and budget. 1961-1966.

Box 2, Folder 9

Questionnaires. 1963-1964.

Scope and Content Note

drafts and correspondence re. information desired from brain research laboratories and institutes; survey information by Prof. B. K. Anand on ten laboratories in India
Box 2, Folder 10

Correspondence with National Survey Representatives. 1963-1964.

General note

arranged alphabetically by country
Box 2, Folder 11

Correspondence with Dr. Herbert Jasper. 1963-1965.

General note

Dr. Jasper was Principal Investigator on an NIH grant which supported the Survey; see also additional Jasper correspondence, 1960-1962, in Box 2, Folder 33
 

Subcommittee on Education - Regional Teaching Seminars (#456) Series 7. 1961-1966.

Physical Description: 8 folders
Box 2, Folder 12

Correspondence. 1961-1966.

Box 2, Folder 13

NIH grant for Visiting Seminars in Brain Sciences. 1962-1965.

Scope and Content Note

applications and correspondence

General note

Dr. Waelsch was Principal Investigator, and also Chairman of the Subcommittee
Box 2, Folder 14

NIH grant for Organization of a Teaching Conference in Brain Sciences. 1961-1965.

Scope and Content Note

applications and correspondence

General note

Dr. Waelsch was Principal Investigator
Box 2, Folder 15

Regional Teaching Seminar, Jablonns, Poland, 1963. 1961-1963.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence; report

General note

Drs. P.B. Dews of the United States and P. Kubikowski of Poland organized the 17-day program
Box 2, Folder 16

Regional Teaching Seminar, New Delhi, India, 1964. 1961-1964 June.

Physical Description: folder 1 of 2

Scope and Content Note

correspondence

General note

Drs. E. Costa of the United States and B.K. Anand of India organized the 19-day program
Box 2, Folder 17

Regional Teaching Seminar, New Delhi, India, 1964. 1964 July -1965.

Physical Description: folder 2 of 2

Scope and Content Note

correspondence; report
Box 2, Folder 18

Regional Teaching Seminar, Budapest, Hungary, 1965. 1964-1965.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence and report

General note

Drs. A. Lajtha of the United States and J. Szentagothai of Hungary organized the 12-day program
Box 2, Folder 19

Regional Teaching Seminar, South America. 1961-1963.

Scope and Content Note

a few early planning letters
 

Subcommittee on Publications and Scientific Meetings (#457) Series 8. 1961-1965.

Physical Description: 8 folders
Box 2, Folder 20

Subcommittee on Publications and Scientific Meetings. 1962-1963.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence - early discussions about IBRO's role in arranging and/or sponsoring symposia
Box 2, Folder 21

Subcommittee on Publications and Scientific Meetings. 1962-1965.

Scope and Content Note

documents on Committee organization and function; general correspondence
Box 2, Folder 22

Information Processing Symposium, Leiden, Germany, 1962. 1961-1962.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence

General note

co-sponsored with the International Union of Physiological Sciences
Box 2, Folder 23

Sechenov Conference on Brain Reflexes, Moscow, 1963. 1962-1964.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence; reports

General note

co-sponsored with the USSR Academy of Sciences; commemoration of 1863 publication of Sechenov's "Brain Reflexes"
Box 2, Folder 24

Symposium on Sensory Messages and their Transformation by the Central Nervous System, Cambridge, England, 1964. 1962-1964.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence

General note

co-sponsored with the Royal Society; meeting held in honor of Lord Adrian
Box 2, Folder 25

Second International Pharmacological Meeting, Prague, 1963. 1962-1963.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence
Box 2, Folder 26

Symposium on the Structure and Function of the Limbic System, Tokyo, 1965. 1963-1965.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence; tentative plan for the symposium
Box 2, Folder 27

Japan-U.S. Neurochemistry Conference: Metabolism and function of the nervous system, Tokyo, 1965. 1964-1965.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence and planning documents

General note

the meeting was part of the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Science Program
 

Major Projects (#458) Series 9. 1962-1964.

Physical Description: 4 folders
Box 2, Folder 28

Preparation, evaluation, and dissemination of scientific information about brain research. 1962-1963.

Physical Description: folder 1 of 2

Scope and Content Note

correspondence re. NIH's interest in setting up information evaluation centers for specific scientific areas
Box 2, Folder 29

Preparation, evaluation, and dissemination of scientific information about brain research. 1962-1963.

Physical Description: folder 2 of 2
Box 2, Folder 30

Growth and development of the human brain. 1962-1964.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence and proposals for IBRO involvement in research
Box 2, Folder 31

Memory and learning. 1963-1964.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence re. a possible IBRO Bulletin issue on the subject
 

Miscellaneous (#459) Series 10. 1957-1991.

Physical Description: 7 folders
Box 2, Folder 32

Miscellaneous IBRO forms and membership lists. undated.

Box 2, Folder 33

Correspondence with Dr. Herbert Jasper. 1960-1962.

General note

Dr. Waelsch was Treasurer for IBRO during these years, while Dr. Jasper was Executive Secretary; see also additional Jasper correspondence, 1963-1965, in Box 2 Folder 11
Box 2, Folder 34

Correspondence with Dr. Derek Richter. 1957-1964.

General note

Dr. Richter was editor of the "Journal of Neurochemistry"
Box 2, Folder 35

Correspondence with Dr. David R. Curtis. 1965.

Scope and Content Note

letters, and draft manuscript by Dr. Curtis and J.C. Watkins: "The pharmacology of amino acids, related to gamma-aminobutyric acid"
Box 2, Folder 36

"Research without an echo". 1964-1965.

Scope and Content Note

correspondence regarding the problems faced by young foreign researchers after returning home from training in the U.S.
Box 2, Folder 37

Correspondence between Dr. Louise H. Marshall and Dr. Salome Gluecksohn Waelsch. 1968-1991.

General note

Dr. Salome Gluecksohn Waelsch was Dr. H. Waelsch's widow.
Box 2, Folder 38

Heinrich B. Waelsch (1905-1966) obituaries. 1966-1967.