Finding Aid to the Kenneth S. Pitzer Papers, 1915-2000, bulk 1930-1997
Finding Aid written by Juliet Demeter
Funding for processing this collection was provided by Jean M. Pitzer
The Bancroft Library
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California, 94720-6000
Phone: (510) 642-6481
Fax: (510) 642-7589
Email: bancref@library.berkeley.edu
URL: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/
© 2006
The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.
Finding Aid to the Kenneth S. Pitzer Papers, 1915-2000, bulk 1930-1997
Collection Number: BANC MSS 99/170 c
The Bancroft Library
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California
Funding for processing this collection was provided by Jean M. Pitzer
- Finding Aid Written By:
- Juliet Demeter
- Date Completed:
-
October 2006
© 2006 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.
Collection Summary
Collection Title: Kenneth S. Pitzer papers
Date (inclusive): 1915-2000,
Date (bulk): , bulk 1930-1997
Collection Number: BANC MSS 99/170 c
Creators :
Pitzer, Kenneth S. (Kenneth Sanborn), 1914-
Extent:
Number of containers: 42 cartons, 2 boxes, and 1 oversize folder.
Linear feet: approx. 53
Repository: The Bancroft Library
Berkeley, California 94720-6000
Abstract: The Kenneth S. Pitzer Papers, 1915-2000, consist of correspondence, writings, reports, and research materials documenting
Pitzer's career in the field of theoretical chemistry from the 1930s until his death in 1997. The bulk of the collection is
made up of correspondence, research materials, and writings relating to his pioneering work in methods for calculation of
thermodynamic properties of complex molecules. Also included are materials relating to Pitzer's work for the United States
Government, his private sector research and consulting, and a small amount of biographical material.
Languages Represented: Collection materials are in English
Physical Location: Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information
on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.
Information for Researchers
Access
Collection is open for research.
Publication Rights
Copyright has been assigned to The Bancroft Library. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must
be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-6000.
Permission for publication is given on behalf of The Bancroft Library as the owner of the physical items and the copyright.
Copyright 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], Kenneth S. Pitzer Papers, BANC MSS 99/170 c, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.
Alternate Forms Available
There are no alternate forms of this collection.
Related Collections
Chemist and administrator at UC Berkeley, Rice University, Stanford University, and the Atomic Energy Commission, 1935-1997
: oral history transcript / Kenneth Sanborn Pitzer; with introductions by Robert Curl and Marilyn Chapin Massey. BANC MSS
2000/54
Robert A. Welch award [video recording]: former Rice University president interview, 1984-1995.
Separated Material
Printed materials have been transferred to the book collection of The Bancroft Library.
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Pitzer, Kenneth S. (Kenneth Sanborn), 1914--Archives
University of California, Berkeley. Dept. of Chemistry
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
Rice University
Stanford University
Pitzer College
Chemistry, Physical and theoretical--Research
Thermodynamics
Chemistry, Physical and theoretical
Faculty papers.
History of science and technology collection
Administrative Information
Acquisition Information
The Kenneth S. Pitzer Papers were given to The Bancroft Library by Jean Pitzer, Russell Pitzer and John Pitzer on May 28,
1998. Additions were made on November 1, 2000.
Accruals
No additions are expected.
Processing Information
Processed by Juliet Demeter in 2006.
Biographical Information
Kenneth S. Pitzer was born in Pomona, California on January 6, 1914, the son of noted philanthropists Russell K. and Flora
Pitzer. He attended the California Institute of Technology, where he received a B.S. in chemistry in 1935 and completed his
Ph.D. at the University of California, Berkeley in 1937 under the direction of distinguished chemist Wendell M. Latimer.
In 1935 Pitzer married Jean (Mosher) Pitzer. They had three children: Anne E. Pitzer, Russell M. Pitzer, and John S. Pitzer.
After graduation, Pitzer was appointed to the faculty of the U.C. Berkeley College of Chemistry, where he spent the better
part of his career serving first as Instructor from 1937-1939, Assistant Professor from 1939-1942, Associate Professor from
1942-1945 and finally as Professor from 1945-1961. He was also Dean of the College of Chemistry from 1951-1960.
During World War II Pitzer took a leave of absence from teaching and went to work for the United States Government first as
consultant for the National Defense Research Committee, Office of Scientific Research Development, where he researched meteorology
for the U.S. Army. As Technical Director of the Maryland Research Laboratory from 1943-1945, Pitzer developed time delay
devices which were used to disrupt rail systems in Germany. From 1949-1951, he again left Berkeley to serve as Director of
Research for the Atomic Energy Commission. In addition, he served on the President's Science Advisory Committee from 1965-1968.
In 1961, Pitzer became president of Rice University in Houston, Texas and left in 1968 to assume the presidency of Stanford
University until 1970. In 1971 he returned to Berkeley where he served for 13 more years becoming Emeritus Professor in 1984.
Pitzer also served as trustee for many colleges including Mills College, Harvey Mudd College, and Pitzer College, founded
by and named for his father. In the last decades of his life, he provided continuing support for Pitzer College endowing
several scholarships and professorships.
In addition to teaching, Pitzer authored several books including Thermodynamics and Quantum Chemistry, which he co-authored
with Leo Brewer. Over the course of his career, he published over 350 articles in various scientific journals including
the Journal of the American Chemical Society for which he also Pitzer served as Associate Editor from 1944-1945.
For many years, Pitzer worked as a consultant in the private sector, serving on the board of directors for the American Petroleum
Institute, Union Carbide Corporation, United States Rubber Company, the Rand Corporation, and Owens- Illinois.
Among the numerous awards and fellowships he received during his career were a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Clark Kerr Award,
the Priestly Medal of the Chemical Society, the Berkeley Citation, and the Robert A. Welch Award in Chemistry. In 1974 Pitzer
was awarded the National Medal of Science by President Gerald R. Ford.
Professor Pitzer retired from UC Berkeley in 1985, but continued his research in thermodynamics and quantum theory until his
death. He died of heart failure on December 26, 1997.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Kenneth S. Pitzer Papers, 1915-2000, consist of correspondence, writings, reports, and research materials spanning Pitzer's
career in the field of physical and theoretical chemistry from the 1930s until his death in 1997. The bulk of the collection
is made up of correspondence, research materials, and writings relating to his pioneering work in methods for calculation
of thermodynamic properties of complex molecules. Also included are materials relating to Pitzer's work for the United States
Government, his private sector research and consulting, and a small amount of biographical material.
The collection has been divided into eight series: Correspondence, Writings, Academic Files, United States Government, Private
Sector Research and Consulting, Professional Affiliations, Research Files, and Biographical Materials. Pitzer's correspondence
consists primarily of letters to and from colleagues in the field of chemistry and generally pertains to his research and
academic appointments at UC Berkeley, Rice and Stanford. Writings include papers and lectures regarding his chemical research
as well as his as well as materials relating to his books Quantum Mechanics (co-authored with Leo Brewer), Thermodynamics,
and Activity Coefficients in Electrolyte Solutions.
At Berkeley Pitzer was noted not only for his research and teaching, but also as an administrator in the College of Chemistry.
Serving as dean from 1951-1960. Academic Files reflect all aspects of his career at Berkeley including the many committees
and panels he contributed to. This series also includes a small amount of material from his appointments as President of
Rice and later Stanford.
United States Government reflects Pitzer's contributions during and just after World War II including his posts at the National
Defense Research Committee, Office of Scientific Research Development, the Maryland Research Laboratory and finally as Director
of Research for the Atomic Energy Commission from 1949-1951.
Throughout his career, Pitzer was sought out as a consultant by private sector industries. These contributions are documented
in the Private Sector Research and Consulting series and include files from Pitzer's tenure at American Petroleum Institute,
Union Carbide Corporation, United States Rubber Company, the Rand Corporation. General Research Files include materials related
to Pitzer's research both at U.C. Berkeley and in the private sector.
There is only a small amount of biographical material in the collection, primarily bio-bibliography, oral histories conducted
between 1975 and 1996, travel and sabbatical files and a few photographs.
Series 1
Correspondence
1938-1997
Physical Description:
Cartons 1-6
Arrangement
Cartons 1-5 are arranged alphabetically. Carton 6 is arranged chronologically as received.
Scope and Content Note
Consists of letters to and from Pitzer documenting his career in chemical research and academic activities. These letters
also include requests for information, solicitations of advice, invitations to meetings and events, membership requests, and
reports on the activities of various professional organizations to which Pitzer belonged.
Carton 1, Folder 1-42
Correspondence A-Ch
1950-1997
Carton 2, Folder 1-49
Correspondence Ch-Ho
1957-1997
Carton 3, Folder 1-53
Correspondence Hu-Na
1944-1997
Carton 4, Folder 1-43
Correspondence Na-S
1940-1997
Carton 5, Folder 1-57
Correspondence S-Z
1938-1997
Series 2
Writings
1935-1997
Physical Description:
Cartons 7-12, oversize folder 1 B
Arrangement
Divided into three subseries: Books, Speeches, and Scientific Papers. Arranged chronologically.
2:1
Books
1948-1997
Physical Description:
Cartons 7-9
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Includes correspondence, drafts, corrections, and notes for books authored, co-authored, and edited by Pitzer.
Carton 7, Folder 1-3
Quantum Chemistry
1948-1967
Carton 7, Folder 4-57
Thermodynamics
1952-1994,
undated
Carton 8, Folder 1-39
Thermodynamics
1980-1997,
undated
Carton 8, Folder 40-57
Activity Coefficients in Electrolyte Solutions
1988-1993,
undated
Carton 9, Folder 1-3
Molecular Structure and Statistical Thermodynamics: Selected Papers of Kenneth S. Pitzer
1992-1993
2:2
Speeches
1941-1997
Physical Description:
Cartons 9-10
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Consists of drafts, articles, correspondence, and other materials relating to lectures and speeches given by Pitzer throughout
his career on various topics including education, chemistry research, and the Atomic Energy Commission.
Oversize Drawer B, Folder 1
Posters announcing Pitzer's Taiwan lectures
undated
2:3
Scientific Papers
1935-1982,
undated
Physical Description:
Cartons 10-12
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains drafts, correspondence, and notes for papers written by Pitzer on topics relating to his chemical research. Topics
include the thermodynamic properties of molecules and research into the properties of electrolytes.
Carton 10, Folder 28-56
Scientific papers
1935-1958
Carton 11, Folder 1-50
Scientific papers
1958-1976
Carton 12, Folder 1-30
Scientific papers
1977-1982,
undated
Series 3
Academic Files
1939-1997
Physical Description:
Cartons 12-16
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically.
Scope and Content Note
Includes correspondence, course materials, and files relating to UC Berkeley committee work and the College of Chemistry.
Consists of meeting materials and reports during Pitzer's tenure as trustee at the Claremont Colleges. Includes correspondence
and Board of Trustees meeting minutes (Mills).
Carton 12, Folder 31-45
UC Berkeley College of Chemistry
1939-1997
Carton 12, Folder 46-67
UCB course materials
1937-1964
Carton 13, Folder 1-40
UCB course materials
1971-1983,
undated
Carton 14, Folder 1-2
UCB course materials
undated
Carton 14, Folder 3-31
UC Berkeley committees
1958-1997
Carton 14, Folder 32-43
Harvey Mudd College
1956-1991
Carton 15, Folder 7
Visiting professorship, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1961-1965
Carton 15, Folder 8-15
Claremont Colleges
1961-1996
Carton 15, Folder 16-19
Rice University
1963-1968
Carton 15, Folder 20-21
Stanford University
1968-1971
Series 4
United States Government
1943-1984
Physical Description:
Cartons 16-20, Box 2
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically.
Scope and Content Note
Includes correspondence, reports, meeting notes and research materials for Pitzer's work for the United States Government.
Carton 16, Folder 13
National Defense Research Committee
1943
Carton 16, Folder 14-40
United States Atomic Energy Commission
1944-1965
Carton 17, Folder 1-43
United States Atomic Energy Commission
1956-1967
Carton 18, Folder 1-40
United States Atomic Energy Commission
1961-1970
Carton 18, Folder 41-42
United States Naval Ordinance Test Station Advisory Board
1955-1958
Carton 18, Folder 43-57
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
1959-1978
Carton 19, Folder 1-28
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
1979-1984
Carton 19, Folder 29-31
Defense Science Board, United States Department of Defense
1961
Carton 19, Folder 32-45
The President's Science Advisory Committee
1963-1969
Carton 20, Folder 1-7
The President's Science Advisory Committee
1968-1970
Carton 20, Folder 8-9
U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science and Astronautics
1964
Box 2, Folder 1-3
Maryland Research Laboratories
1944
Box 2, Folder 4
Underwater Explosions
1943
Box 2, Folder 5
Forecast Officer List
1943, 1952
Box 2, Folder 6
Office of Strategic Services
circa 1943
Box 2, Folder 7
Bean and Beano Fuse Assembly
1944
Series 5
Private Sector Research and Consulting
1943-1971
Physical Description:
Carton 20
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains primarily correspondence and meeting minutes from Pitzer's tenure at several private companies.
Carton 20, Folder 10-25
American Petroleum Institute
1943-1957
Carton 20, Folder 26
United States Rubber Company
1945-1948
Carton 20, Folder 27
Union Carbide Corporation
1961-1963
Carton 20, Folder 34-35
The Rand Corporation
1962-1971
Series 6
Professional Affiliations
1943-1997
Physical Description:
Cartons 21-25
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains correspondence, meeting files, notes, and research materials for the many professional organizations, societies,
and committees of which Pitzer was a member. In addition to papers relating to the scientific and chemistry organizations
Pitzer served on are files from numerous educational and cultural panels.
Carton 21, Folder 1-43
Advisory Council on College Chemistry-Chemical Education Material Study
1943-1997
Carton 22, Folder 1-47
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry-National Academy of Sciences
1949-1997
Carton 23, Folder 1-38
National Academy of Sciences
1972-1976
Carton 24, Folder 1-42
National Academy of Sciences-National Bureau of Standards
1952-1997
Carton 25, Folder 1-15
Organization of American States-World Affairs Council
1955-1970
Series 7
Research Files
1915-1999
Physical Description:
Cartons 25-41
Arrangement
Divided into 3 subseries: General Research Files, Subject Files and Reprints. General research arranged as received. Subject
Files and Reprints are arranged alphabetically.
Scope and Content Note
Pitzer's pioneer work in molecular spectroscopy made it possible for chemists to predict the thermodynamic properties of complex
molecules. His research also included the relativist effects in chemical bonding and the theory of fluids and electrolyte
solutions.
7:1
General Research Files
1915-1999
Physical Description:
Cartons 25-32
Arrangement
Arranged as received.
Scope and Content Note
General Research Files document Pitzer's work in the study of the thermodynamic properties of molecules. Included are correspondence,
graphs, annotated reprints, and many notes by Pitzer.
Carton 25, Folder 16-35
General Research Files
1964-1996
Carton 26, Folder 1-23
General Research Files
1935-1997
Carton 27, Folder 1-44
General Research Files
1949-1997
Carton 28, Folder 1-37
General Research Files
1927-1995
Carton 29, Folder 1-57
General Research Files
1974-1994
Carton 30, Folder 1-39
General Research Files
1955-1997
Carton 31, Folder 1-36
General Research Files
1936-1997
Carton 32, Folder 1-21
General Research Files
1966-1997
7:2
Subject Files
1927-1996
Physical Description:
Cartons 32-33
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically.
Scope and Content Note
In addition to files on topics in chemistry research, this subseries includes biographies and other materials regarding many
well known U.C. Berkeley chemists, including Gilbert Lewis with whom Pitzer worked closely in the College of Chemistry.
Carton 32, Folder 22-39
Subject Files A-L
1938-1996
Carton 33, Folder 1-22
Subject Files L-V
1927-1982
7:3
Reprints
1915-1999
Physical Description:
Cartons 33-41
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by author's name or subject of research.
Scope and Content Note
Includes reprints, some annotated, and correspondence with Pitzer's colleagues in chemistry research and other fields. Some
of this material relates to Pitzer's tenure as Associate Editor of the Journal of the American Chemical Society. An incomplete
run of Pitzer's reprints are also included in this subseries.
Series 8
Biographical Materials
1930-2000
Physical Description:
Cartons 41-42, box 1, oversize folder 1 B
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains a small amount of personal correspondence, appointment books, awards, Pitzer's student notebooks, and several folders
documenting his trip to the Soviet Union in 1959 as part of a group of American scientists invited to view atomic energy installations
in Russia. Also included are a small number of photographs, biographies of Pitzer, and several oral histories.
Carton 41, Folder 30-39
Biographical materials
1930-1994
Carton 42, Folder 1-43
Biographical materials
1949-2000
Box 1, 1-28
Appointment books
1947-1971,
undated
Oversize Drawer B, Folder 1
Awards and honorary degrees
1958-1963
