The John A. Larson papers contain material primarily compiled by Larson and possibly others as background for papers and books. Includes correspondence, writings, material related to his professional career, polygraphs, subject files, and clippings. The bulk of the collection is comprised of copies.

In 1921 John A. Larson, a young medical student at the University of California Berkeley, assembled the first American polygraph lie detector for Berkely Chief of Police, August Vollmer. Larson went on to specialize in criminal psychology working with police departments and mental hospitals in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, New Mexico, and South Dakota.

Number of containers: 3 boxes, 6 cartons Linear feet: 8.3

Copyright has not 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. Permission for publication is given on behalf of The Bancroft Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.

Collection is open for research.