Finding Aid to the George C. Pimentel Papers, 1880-1990, bulk 1939-1990

Finding Aid written by Bancroft Library staff
Funding for processing this collection was provided by Jeanne Pimentel, friends of George C. Pimentel, and the College of Chemistry UCB
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/
© 2010
The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.

Finding Aid to the George C. Pimentel Papers, 1880-1990, bulk 1939-1990

Collection Number: BANC MSS 90/139 c

The Bancroft Library



University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, California Funding for processing this collection was provided by Jeanne Pimentel, friends of George C. Pimentel, and the College of Chemistry UCB
Finding Aid Written By:
Bancroft Library staff
Date Completed:
January 2010
© 2010 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.

Collection Summary

Collection Title: George C. Pimentel papers
Date (inclusive): 1880-1990,
Date (bulk): bulk 1939-1990
Collection Number: BANC MSS 90/139 c
Creators : Pimentel, George C.
Extent: Number of containers: 60 cartons, 13 boxes Linear feet: 81.55
Repository: 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/
Abstract: This collection documents George C. Pimentel's career in the field of chemistry. It includes information on his research, teaching, public service, travel and meetings, and engagement in the community of the University of California at Berkeley. Of particular interest are materials regarding his lobbying in Congress for science funding, his research on and involvement in the Mariner 6 and 7 expeditions, development of the chemical laser, research on matrix isolation, and the publication of "The Pimentel Report". Materials include: biographical information, research notes and data, correspondence, meeting records, lecture notes, drafts of publications, and article reprints.
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, with the following exceptions: cartons 49 and 50.

Publication Rights

Copyright has been assigned to The Bancroft Library. Materials in these collections are protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) and may not be used without permission of The Bancroft Library. Use may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, privacy and publicity rights, licensing terms, and trademarks. All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from, or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley 94720-6000. See: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/reference/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], George C. Pimentel Papers, BANC MSS 90/139 c, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.

Alternate Forms Available

There are no alternate forms of this collection.

Related Collections

Additional materials regarding the CHEM Study are available through the Chemical Heritage Foundation.

Separated Material

Audiovisual materials have been separated.

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Pimentel, George C. Archives
University of California, Berkeley. Dept. of Chemistry
United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Chemistry--Study and teaching (Higher)
Chemical lasers
Matrix isolation spectroscopy
Mars (Planet)--Exploration--Equipment and supplies
Mars (Planet)--Exploration
Mars (Planet)--Spectra
Faculty papers.
National Science Foundation (U.S.)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
American Chemical Society
Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. Chemical Biodynamics Division

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information

The George C. Pimentel papers were given to The Bancroft Library by Jeanne Pimentel on March 8, 1990.

Accruals

No additions are expected.

System of Arrangement

Arranged to the folder level.

Processing Information

Bancroft Library staff in 2008-2009.

Biographical Information

Biography

Born on May 2, 1922, in Rolinda, CA, George. Pimentel received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1943. After a year working on the Manhattan Project at UC Berkeley and more than two years in the Navy, he returned to Berkeley to complete his graduate work. After earning his PhD in 1949, Dr. Pimentel joined the faculty at Berkeley and ten years later attained the rank of professor. From 1966 to 1968 he served as the Chair of the Chemistry Department. He served on the UC Select Committee on Education in 1965-1966. He was a member of the Lunar and Planetary Missions Board, an advisory unit to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), from 1967-1970 and a member of the National Academy's Committee on Science and Public Policy from 1975-1977. From July 1977 to June 1980, he served as Deputy Director of the National Science Foundation. In 1980 he assumed directorship of the Laboratory of Chemical Biodynamics, a division of the Lawrence Berkeley (National) Laboratory, and served until 1988. Dr. Pimentel was elected President of the American Chemical Society, serving in 1986. He spoke and wrote frequently and effectively as an advocate of basic research, scientific literacy, improvement of the public image of chemistry, and the value of the university. Dr. Pimentel died of cancer in his home in Kensington, CA in 1989.

Research contributions

Dr. Pimentel's research was in the fields of infrared spectroscopy, chemical lasers, molecular structure, free radicals, and hydrogen bonding. His interests centered on the application of spectroscopic methods to the study of unusual chemical bonding. A major contribution was the development and exploitation of the matrix isolation method for the spectroscopic detection of highly unstable molecules. Application of this matrix isolation method let to the discovery of many unusual and highly reactive molecules that could not otherwise have been detected.

Space research

Dr. Pimentel's pioneering development of rapid scan techniques for infrared spectroscopy extended to the gas phase these spectroscopic studies of normally transient species. This work led to the design of a unique infrared spectrometer for the 1969 Mariner spacecraft that flew by Mars in 1969 to determine the composition of its atmosphere and surface..

Chemical lasers

During studies of photochemical reactions, Dr. Pimentel and his student Jerome Kasper discovered the first chemically pumped laser. Flash photolysis methods on the microsecond time scale permitted the measurement, through laser emissions, of nascent population inversions produced in the normal course of a chemical reaction. A variety of chemically pumped vibrational and rotational lasers have been discovered in his laboratory, providing valuable state-to-state kinetic information.

Teaching and writing

An enthusiastic teacher, Dr. Pimentel lectured in freshman chemistry throughout his career at Berkeley. He chaired the committee appointed by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to identify for Congress prime areas for research in the chemical sciences. The report, Opportunities in Chemistry, (aka The Pimentel Report) was released by the Academy in 1985 and revised in 1987 for a broader audience. Dr. Pimentel was always concerned with the quality of teaching in secondary schools and was editor of the CHEM Study project which was devoted to the development of an innovative high school chemistry textbook, titled Chemistry-An Experimental Science. He also collaborated in the production of several educational films, including one which concerns the impact of science on the quality of life. His name is listed in Outstanding Educators of America. In 1958, Dr. Pimentel received the campus Teaching Award at UC Berkeley on the basis of student nominations and evaluations. He received and was nominated for many other teaching and industry awards throughout his career. The ACS Award in Chemical Education, which he won posthumously in 1990, is now known as the George C. Pimentel Award.

Scope and Content of Collection

This collection documents George C. Pimentel's career in the field of chemistry. It includes information on his research, teaching, public service, travel and meetings, and engagement in the community of the University of California at Berkeley. Of particular interest are materials regarding his lobbying in Congress for science funding, his research on and involvement in the Mariner 6 and 7expeditions, development of the chemical laser, research on matrix isolation, and the publication of "The Pimentel Report". Materials include: biographical information, research notes and data, correspondence, meeting records, lecture notes, drafts of publications, and article reprints.
The collection is organized into 12 series: Biographical Information, American Chemical Society, Correspondence, Course Work, Meetings and Travel, Opportunities in Chemistry, Public Service, Research, Talks, Teaching, University of California, and Writings.

 

Series 1: Biographical Information and Awards 1880-1990

Physical Description: Carton 1; carton 60, folder 34.

Arrangement

Arranged by type of material: articles, bio-bibliographies, awards, and interviews

Scope and Content Note

Series includes general materials about the life of Pimentel, including bibliographies and biographies, C.V.s, awards files, family photographs, and interviews. Awards files include information regarding Pimentel's nomination for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Carton 1, Folder 1

Articles about George C. Pimentel 1980-1988

Carton 1, Folder 2-4

Bio-bibliographies 1960-1990

Carton 1, Folder 5-10

Biographical information and data 1980-1988

Carton 1, Folder 11

Chemical & Engineering News article 1988

Carton 1, Folder 12

"Discovery of the Chemical Laser" undated

Carton 1, Folder 13

Coworker lists 1987-1988

Carton 1, Folder 14

Curriculum vitae and bibliography 1988

Carton 1, Folder 15

Description of research undated

Carton 1, Folder 16

"Glorification" on lexitron disk undated

Carton 1, Folder 17

Scientific contributions undated

Carton 1, Folder 18

Stochnik's biography 1984

Carton 1, Folder 19

Who's Who and other biographies 1982-1990

 

Awards

Carton 1, Folder 20-21

American Chemical Society award in chemical education 1987

Carton 1, Folder 22-23

American Institute of Chemistry gold medal 1986-1988

Carton 1, Folder 24

California Scientist of the Year 1964

Carton 1, Folder 25

California Scientist of the Year 1985

Carton 1, Folder 26

Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching 1989

Carton 1, Folder 27

Challenges in Chemistry Award 1986

Carton 1, Folder 28

Colorado School of Mines honorary degree 1987

Carton 1, Folder 29

Dana awards in higher education 1988

Carton 1, Folder 30

Guggenheim fellowship 1954

Carton 1, Folder 31

Hosler award 1987

Carton 1, Folder 32

Japan prize 1986

Carton 1, Folder 33-34

J.C. Polanyi awards 1984

Carton 1, Folder 35

Manufacturing Chemists Association teaching award 1971

Carton 1, Folder 36

Monie A. Ferst Sigma Xi award 1983, 1985, 1988

Carton 1, Folder 37

Nichols award 1984

Carton 1, Folder 38-40

Nobel Prize nominations 1986-1988

Carton 1, Folder 41

Nominations miscellaneous undated

Carton 1, Folder 42-43

Oesper award 1987

Carton 1, Folder 44

Priestly medal 1989

Carton 1, Folder 45-46

Welch award in chemistry 1986

Carton 1, Folder 47

William Procter prize 1985

 

Interviews

Carton 1, Folder 48

Chemistry in Britain 1988

Carton 1, Folder 49

Journal of Chemical Education 1973

Carton 1, Folder 50

Oral history: Laser History project 1985

Carton 60, Folder 34

Family photographs (on 1 CD Rom) 1880-1988

 

Series 2: American Chemical Society 1959-1989

Physical Description: Carton 2-3 (folders 1-20)

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by folder title

Scope and Content Note

Pimentel was the president of the American Chemical Society in 1986. This series documents his involvement in the ACS during his presidency and his participation in the society in other capacities. Materials include award records, board of directors records, committee records, and correspondence.
Carton 2, Folder 1-4

Awards 1985-1989

Carton 2, Folder 5-7

Board of Directors 1985-1987

Carton 2, Folder 8

Center for the History of Chemistry 1986-1988

Carton 2, Folder 9-10

Chemical and Engineering News 1982

Carton 2, Folder 11

Chemical People 1983-1984

 

Committees

Carton 2, Folder 12-13

Appointments 1985-1986

Carton 2, Folder 14-16

Chemistry and public affairs 1985-1987

Carton 2, Folder 17

Education 1987

Carton 2, Folder 18-21

General 1983-1986

Carton 2, Folder 22-23

Public Affairs and Public Relations 1984-1988

Carton 2, Folder 24-30

Correspondence 1982-1989

Carton 2, Folder 31-32

Council policy 1961, 1987-1989

Carton 2, Folder 33

Department of Energy budget 1985-1986

Carton 2, Folder 34

Goals and Objectives (1987) 1986

Carton 2, Folder 35

Grants 1985

Carton 3, Folder 1

Langmuir award 1967-1969

Carton 3, Folder 2

Local sections 1985-1986

Carton 3, Folder 3

Membership 1986-1987

Carton 3, Folder 4

Past-presidential correspondence 1987

Carton 3, Folder 5

Periodic Table 1985-1987

Carton 3, Folder 6

Policy statements 1987

 

Presidential term

Carton 3, Folder 7-8

correspondence 1986

Carton 3, Folder 9

Member societies 1986

Carton 3, Folder 10

Testimony 1986

Carton 3, Folder 11-12

President-elect records 1985

Carton 3, Folder 13

Press releases 1985-1986

Carton 3, Folder 14

Ramsey award 1959-1963

Carton 3, Folder 15

Reports of the ACS president 1985-1987

Carton 3, Folder 16-18

Statements on DOE budget 1987

Carton 3, Folder 19

Statements on NSF budget 1987

Carton 3, Folder 20

Task Force on Chemical Education 1982-1984

 

Series 3: Correspondence 1960-1989

Physical Description: Carton 3 (folders 21-26)-Carton 7

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically, then alphabetically by subject matter

Scope and Content Note

Includes incoming and outgoing correspondence regarding research, travel, publications, and other professional issues.
Carton 3, Folder 21-26

Correspondence 1960-1962

Carton 4, Folder 1-21

Correspondence 1963-1966

Carton 5, Folder 1-19

Correspondence 1966-1970

Carton 6, Folder 1-25

Correspondence 1971-1976

Carton 7, Folder 1-22

Correspondence 1976-1989

Carton 7, Folder 23

Angewandte Chemie 1966-1967

Carton 7, Folder 24

Bitnet 1988

Carton 7, Folder 25

Fong, Frank 1981-1987

Carton 7, Folder 26

Icarus 1973

Carton 7, Folder 27

Lee, Yuan Pern 1979

Carton 7, Folder 28

McGraw Hill 1973-1975

Carton 7, Folder 29

Nakata, Munetaka 1986-1987

Carton 7, Folder 30-32

Personal correspondence 1977-1980

Carton 7, Folder 33

Research 1985-1987

Carton 7, Folder 34

Richmond, Geri 1977-1980

Carton 7, Folder 35

Suchard, Dr. S.N. 1972

 

Series 4: Course Work 1941-1951

Physical Description: Carton 8-9 (folders 1-21)

Arrangement

Arranged first by undergraduate or graduate course, then alphabetically by the name of the course

Scope and Content Note

Includes materials relating to Pimentel's own undergraduate and graduate school course work, such as notes and class assignments.
Carton 8

Undergraduate course work at UCLA

Carton 8, Folder 1

Chemistry 102 tests 1942

Carton 8, Folder 2

Nuclear physics 1943

Carton 8, Folder 3-5

Organic chemistry 1941-1942

Carton 8, Folder 6

P. Chem 1941-1942

Carton 8, Folder 7-8

Physical chemistry 1942-1943

Carton 8, Folder 9

Statistics 1942-1943

Carton 8, Folder 10

Thermodynamics 1941-1943

 

Graduate course work at UC Berkeley

Carton 8, Folder 11

Acetaldehyde II 1949

Carton 8, Folder 12

Atomic and molecular orbits 1947

Carton 8, Folder 13

Complex variable math 1947

Carton 8, Folder 14

Courant and Hilbert 1946

Carton 8, Folder 15-20

Differential equations 1946-1948

Carton 8, Folder 21

Electricity and magnetism 1948

Carton 8, Folder 22

Electronic spectra of benzene and borazole 1947

Carton 8, Folder 23-24

Group theory 1946-1947

Carton 8, Folder 25

HF 2: Mo l orbitals Circa 1946

Carton 8, Folder 26

Higher algebra 1946

Carton 8, Folder 27

Hydrogen molecule ion 1949

Carton 8, Folder 28

Intermetallic compounds 1948

Carton 8, Folder 29

Mathematics of quantum mechanics 1948

Carton 8, Folder 30

Meson theory 1947

Carton 8, Folder 31

Nuclear anisotropy 1948

Carton 8, Folder 32-33

Nuclear chemistry 1948

Carton 8, Folder 34-35

Nuclear physics 1946, 1948

Carton 8, Folder 36

Overlap intervals 1947-1948

Carton 9, Folder 1-3

Physics 1946-1951

Carton 9, Folder 4

Problems: Pitzer, Coulson 1947

Carton 9, Folder 5-6

Propositions 1947-1948

Carton 9, Folder 7-8

Quantum theory 1947

Carton 9, Folder 9

Research on BH 3 1947

Carton 9, Folder 10

Review for prelims 1947

Carton 9, Folder 11

Secant squared potential function 1947

Carton 9, Folder 12

Structure of cyclo octatetraene 1947

Carton 9, Folder 13

Structure of diborane 1947

Carton 9, Folder 14

Studies of nuclear stability 1947

Carton 9, Folder 15-17

Superconductivity 1948-1949

Carton 9, Folder 18

Theoretical physics 1947

Carton 9, Folder 19

Thermal E.M.F. research 1948

Carton 9, Folder 20

Thermodynamics 1946

Carton 9, Folder 21

Vector analysis 1946

 

Series 5: Meetings and Travel 1953-1989

Physical Description: Carton 9 (folders 22-35)-Carton 14 (folders 1-14)

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by the year of the meeting with notes from meetings at the end in chronological order

Scope and Content Note

Includes correspondence, itineraries, abstracts of talks, notes on meetings, and other materials that document Pimentel's wide involvement in research conferences and other meetings throughout the world.
Carton 9, Folder 22

Conference notes 1953

Carton 9, Folder 23-35

Meetings 1960-1965

Carton 10, Folder 1-30

Meetings 1964-1972

Carton 11, Folder 1-35

Meetings 1972-1983

Carton 12, Folder 1-25

Meetings 1983-1985

Carton 13, Folder 1-37

Meetings 1985-1988

Carton 13, Folder 38-45

Meeting notes 1977-1979

Carton 14, Folder 1-14

Meeting notes 1979-1989

 

Series 6: Opportunities in Chemistry 1981-1987

Physical Description: Carton 14 (folders 15-26)-Carton 20

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically, with post-publication records at the end

Scope and Content Note

Also known as "(CS) 2" and "The Pimentel Report", Opportunities in Chemistry was published under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences, first in 1985 with a revised edition in 1987 for high schools, community colleges, and the general public. The report, organized and edited by Pimentel, helped to focus the attention of government in Washington, D.C. and people around the world on the importance of chemistry to our society. Materials include correspondence, meeting records, and planning documents regarding the report.
Carton 14, Folder 15

Acknowledgement of write ups 1983-1984

Carton 14, Folder 16

Appendices 1982-1985

Carton 14, Folder 17

Beginning policy documents 1982

Carton 14, Folder 18-26

Chapter 3 1983-1985

Carton 15, Folder 1-36

Chapters 3-4 1983-1985

Carton 16, Folder 1-25

Chapters 5-7 1983-1985

Carton 16, Folder 26-34

Chron file 1982-1984

Carton 16, Folder 34

Drafts from contributors 1983-1984

Carton 17, Folder 1

Drafts from contributors 1983-1984

Carton 17, Folder 2-7

Correspondence 1982-1987

Carton 17, Folder 8-9

Data 1981-1984

Carton 17, Folder 10

Disk changes 1985

Carton 17, Folder 11

Distribution list 1987-1988

Carton 17, Folder 12-14

Executive summary 1985

Carton 17, Folder 15

Follow-on high school version 1986

Carton 17, Folder 16-18

Funding 1982-1984

Carton 17, Folder 19

Funding trends in chemistry 1983-1988

Carton 17, Folder 20

Input and suggestions 1982-1984

Carton 17, Folder 21

Keyworth briefing 1983

Carton 17, Folder 22-26

Meetings 1982-1983

Carton 17, Folder 27

Membership 1982

Carton 17, Folder 28

Memos re write ups 1983

Carton 17, Folder 29-35

Mini-briefings 1983

Carton 18, Folder 1-13

Mini-briefings 1983

Carton 18, Folder 14-15

Miscellaneous 1983-1986

Carton 18, Folder 16

National Science Foundation initiative 1986

Carton 18, Folder 17

News articles 1983

Carton 18, Folder 18

Notes 1982-1983

Carton 18, Folder 19

Outline 1983

Carton 18, Folder 20-22

Outside evaluators 1983

Carton 18, Folder 23

Possible popular writers 1983

Carton 18, Folder 24-25

Report 1983-1985

Carton 18, Folder 26

Report introduction 1984

Carton 18, Folder 27-30

Responses to memos 1984

Carton 19, Folder 1-3

Reviewers 1984-1985

Carton 19, Folder 4-13

Reviews 1985

Carton 19, Folder 14-36

Task force I-III records 1982-1984

Carton 20, Folder 1-22

Task force IV-V records 1982-1985

Carton 20, Folder 23

Thank you and congratulatory letters 1985-1986

Carton 20, Folder 24-28

Vignettes 1983-1984

Carton 20, Folder 29-30

Worksheets 1983

Carton 20, Folder 31-37

Post-publication records 1985-1986

 

Series 7: Public Service 1945-1989

Physical Description: Cartons 21-23

Arrangement

Arranged in alphabetical order

Scope and Content Note

Pimentel was an active participant in many national and international organizations, as well as being active in promoting chemistry and science in the political arena. This series documents his involvement in the scientific community in everything from working with science museums to testifying before Congress. Materials include correspondence, meeting minutes, copies of speeches and testimony, and lists of congressional contacts. Organizations represented include the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Executive Office of the President, Congress, the National Academy of Science, the National Research Council, and the National Science Foundation (for which Pimentel served as deputy director from 1977 to 1980).
Carton 21, Folder 1

American Academy of Arts and Sciences 1973

Carton 21, Folder 2-7

American Association for the Advancement of Science 1982-1988

Carton 21, Folder 8

American Philosophical Society 1985-1989

Carton 21, Folder 9

American Physical Society: Star Wars study 1969

Carton 21, Folder 10

Anti-ballistic missile program 1969

Carton 21, Folder 11

Argonne distinguished scientists program 1987

Carton 21, Folder 12

Cal Tech evaluation 1966

Carton 21, Folder 13

Coblenz Society 1966-1967

Carton 21, Folder 14

Committee (select) on Higher Education, Texas 1980

Carton 21, Folder 15

Congressional Contacts 1982

Carton 21, Folder 16-17

Chemical Research, Council for 1983-1984

Carton 21, Folder 18

Executive Office of the President 1964

Carton 21, Folder 19-21

House Committee on Science and Technology 1984-1987

Carton 21, Folder 22

International Advisory Board on Scientific Instruments and Meetings 1988

Carton 21, Folder 23

Jet Propulsion Laboratory 1987

Carton 21, Folder 24-29

Lawrence Hall of Science advisory committee 1968-1989

Carton 21, Folder 30

Museum of History and Science 1988

Carton 21, Folder 31

Monsanto Lectures advisory panel 1985

Carton 21, Folder 32-36

National Academy of Sciences 1976-1989

Carton 22, Folder 1-15

National Academy of Sciences 1966-1981

Carton 22, Folder 16-30

National Research Council 1975-1989

Carton 23, Folder 1-7

National Research Council 1976-1986

Carton 23, Folder 8-25

National Science Foundation 1977-1988

Carton 23, Folder 26

Office of Naval Research 1945-1946

Carton 23, Folder 27

Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn 1967

Carton 23, Folder 28

Scientists and Engineers for McCarthy 1968

Carton 23, Folder 29

Solar Energy Research Institute 1980

Carton 23, Folder 30

South Carolina science advisory committee for economic development 1986

Carton 23, Folder 31

Stop the War panel 1967-1968

Carton 23, Folder 32

Waterman and NAS nominations 1976

Carton 23, Folder 33

White Mountain research station 1972-1973

 

Series 8: Research 1939-1989

Physical Description: Cartons 24-35, Boxes 1-13

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by general category of research, then by folder title

Scope and Content Note

This series documents Pimentel's extensive research in many areas of chemistry. It includes notes, data, spectra, correspondence, grant applications, consulting reports, drafts of papers, and publications on many subjects, including chemical lasers, hydrogen bonds, instrumentation, matrix isolation, and space exploration.
Carton 24, Folder 1-39

Chemical lasers 1961-1977

Carton 25, Folder 1-10

Chemical lasers 1965-1977

 

Consulting

Carton 25, Folder 11

DIAX 1975

Carton 25, Folder 12

Interphase Corp West 1965

Carton 25, Folder 13-15

Raychem 1983-1984

Carton 25, Folder 16

Rocketdyne 1972

 

Grants

Carton 25, Folder 17-18

Advanced Research Projects agency 1960, 1967

Carton 25, Folder 19-35

Air Force 1956-1989

Carton 26, Folder 1-8

Air Force 1981-1989

Carton 26, Folder 9

Air Resources board 1973

Carton 26, Folder 10-29

American Petroleum institute 1948-1961

Carton 26, Folder 30

Carnegie 1976

Carton 26, Folder 31

Correspondence about grants 1974-1975

Carton 26, Folder 32

Department of Defense 1982-1983

Carton 26, Folder 33

Electro-chemical recovery of solar energy 1974-1975

Carton 26, Folder 34

Fournier 1976

Carton 26, Folder 35-38

IBM 1985-1987

Carton 27, Folder 1-6

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 1963-1976

Carton 27, Folder 7-15

National Science Foundation 1972-1987

Carton 27, Folder 16-20

Naval Research, office of 1963-1975

Carton 27, Folder 21-22

North Atlantic Treaty Organization 1969-1970

Carton 27, Folder 23-26

Petroleum Research fund 1958-1963

Carton 27, Folder 27

Project Clean Air 1971-1972

Carton 27, Folder 28-30

Smog catchers proposal 1971-1973

Carton 27, Folder 31

University-industry cooperation 1984

Carton 28, Folder 1-20

Hydrogen bonding 1947-1976

Carton 28, Folder 21-25

Instrumentation 1946-1965

Carton 28, Folder 26-44

Matrix Isolation 1962-1984

Carton 29, Folder 1-46

Notes and data (ABC molecules-graphs) 1949-1981

Box 8, Folder 1-6

Computer printouts and spectra 1978-1978

Carton 30, Folder 1-42

Notes and data (graphs-notebooks) 1947-1988

Carton 31, Folder 1-37

Notes and data (notebooks-Xe) 1939-1984

 

Space

Carton 32, Folder 1

Astronomy missions board 1968-1970

Carton 32, Folder 2-3

Jupiter/Saturn 1972-1977

Carton 32, Folder 4

Jupiter/Uranus 1979

Carton 32, Folder 5-21

Lunar and planetary missions board 1967-1971

Carton 32, Folder 22-23

Lunar dust samples 1969-1973

Carton 32, Folder 24

Mariner/Mercury Venus Proposal 1970

Carton 32, Folder 25-30

Mars/Mariner (infrared spectrometer-charts) 1966-1972

Box 1, Folder 2

Mars/Mariner calibration tables 1969

Carton 33, Folder 1-36

Mars/Mariner (contract-Jet Propulsion Lab) 1964-1972

Box 7, Folder 1

Mars/Mariner digital tape undated

Carton 34, Folder 1-40

Mars/Mariner (Jet Propulsion Lab-spectra) 1965-1971

Box 1, Folder 1

Mars/Mariner IRS scan traces 1969

Box 2, Rolls 1-4

Mars/Mariner rolled data printouts undated

Box 4, Rolls 1-8

Mars/Mariner rolled data printouts undated

Box 5, Rolls 1-12

Mars/Mariner rolled data printouts undated

Box 6, Folder 1-2

Mars/Mariner scans undated

Box 3, Folder 1

Mars/Mariner spectra undated

Carton 35, Folder 1-25

Mars/Mariner (spectra-weekly reports) 1966-1976

Carton 35, Folder 26

Planetary telescope 1973, 1976

Carton 35, Folder 27-28

Viking 73 1969-1970

Carton 35, Folder 29

Viking film 1972

Box 9, Sleeves 1-45

Spectra 1964-1965

Box 10, Sleeves 1-73

Spectra 1964-1977

Box 11, Sleeves 1-12

Spectra 1966

Box 12, Sleeves 1-12

Spectra 1966

Box 13, Sleeves 1-53

Spectra undated

 

Series 9: Talks 1964-1987

Physical Description: Cartons 36-37 (folders 1-23), Box 8 (folders 7-9)

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by folder title

Scope and Content Note

Includes the text of talks given by Pimentel at meetings, graduations, and by special invitation; correspondence; notes; background materials; and overheads.
Carton 36, Folder 1-41

Allene-National 1970-1987

Box 8, Folder 7-9

H & ClF Rotational Excitation undated

Carton 37, Folder 1-23

National-Vibrational 1964-1987

 

Series 10: Teaching 1949-1988

Physical Description: Carton 37 (folders 24-44)-Carton 43

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by the name of the class, then chronologically

Scope and Content Note

Series documents Pimentel's long, successful teaching career at UC Berkeley. Materials include lecture notes, correspondence, exams, and copies of the Weekly Weakly (a newsletter for students in chemistry classes). Records relating to graduate students include logs that detail the students' progress in their research, correspondence, and other materials relating to his relationship with his students. Confidential materials have been removed. Also included are records relating to Pimentel's teaching activities outside of UC Berkeley, which include his efforts to improve the teaching of chemistry and science world-wide.
Carton 37, Folder 24-25

AAAS Chautauqua-type short courses 1970

Carton 37, Folder 26

Bonding and quantum mechanics for teachers 1971

Carton 37, Folder 27-44

Chemistry courses 1949-1957

Carton 38, Folder 1-27

Chemistry courses 1957-1964

Carton 39, Folder 1-29

Chemistry courses 1963-1969

Carton 40, Folder 1-27

Chemistry courses 1969-1973

Carton 41, Folder 1-28

Chemistry courses 1973-1984

Carton 42, Folder 1-4

Chemistry courses 1988

Carton 42, Folder 5-6

CHEM Study Institute lectures 1963, 1967

Carton 42, Folder 7

Curriculum 1958-1964

Carton 42, Folder 8-15

Exceptional Students Program 1963-1970

 

Graduate student administration

Carton 42, Folder 16-17

Correspondence 1974-1975

Carton 42, Folder 18-29

Logs 1962-1981

Carton 43, Folder 1

Reports 1982-1983

Carton 43, Folder 2-26

Graduate students by name 1974-1988

Carton 43, Folder 27-28

Group theory seminar 1949, 1960

Carton 43, Folder 29

H atom orbitals undated

Carton 43, Folder 30

High school teachers summer institute 1958-1959

Carton 43, Folder 31

Institute for chemical education 1985

Carton 43, Folder 32

Marchon lectures 1977

Carton 43, Folder 33

National conventions for teachers of science 1970-1971

Carton 43, Folder 34

NSF/AID science education 1968-1968

Carton 43, Folder 35-38

Seminar notes 1950-1951

Carton 43, Folder 39

SESAME qualifying exam 1977-1978

Carton 43, Folder 40

Santa Barbara, Spectroscopy Institute, Quantum Institute 1966-1987

Carton 43, Folder 41

SSB summer study 1970

Carton 43, Folder 42

Vibrational analysis undated

 

Series 11: University of California 1949-1989

Physical Description: Cartons 44-50

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by folder title

Scope and Content Note

Series documents Pimentel's involvement in the University of California. As a faculty member of UC Berkeley, he participated in many aspects of administering the Chemistry Department and also in the administration of the University more widely, including serving on UC-wide committees and serving at the Lawrence Berkeley (National) Laboratory as the director of the Laboratory for Chemical Biodynamics. This series includes committee records, correspondence, reports, telephone logs, and calendars. Cartons 49 and 50 are restricted for 75 years after date of creation due to the possibility of Federally restricted student and personnel records included.
Carton 44, Folder 1-14

Academic Senate 1964-1969

Carton 44, Folder 15-16

Agrarian Action project 1984, 1986

Carton 44, Folder 17-20

Business 1970-1973

Carton 44, Folder 21-25

Calendars 1973-1988

Carton 44, Folder 26-34

Chemistry (department) 1962-1989

Carton 45, Folder 1-4

Chemistry building 1972-1987

Carton 45, Folder 5-17

Chronological files 1972-1989

Carton 49, Folder 1-24

Chronological files (restricted) 1963-1970

Carton 50, Folder 1-14

Chronological files (restricted) 1971-1974

 

Committees

Carton 45, Folder 18-22

Academic planning 1972-1976

Carton 45, Folder 23-24

Art conservation 1972-1973

Carton 45, Folder 25

Chemistry 1, 4, 5 1985-1987

Carton 45, Folder 26

Chinese laser delegation 1974

Carton 45, Folder 27-29

Committee on committees 1975-1978

Carton 46, Folder 1

Computer use 1964

Carton 46, Folder 2

Educational policy 1966

Carton 46, Folder 3-4

Council for an academic community/"campus sanity committee" 1969

Carton 46, Folder 5

Faculty effort reporting 1982-1983

Carton 46, Folder 6

Graduate council 1963-1964

Carton 46, Folder 7-8

Intellectual property advisory committee 1985-1986

Carton 46, Folder 9-11

Limitations of enrollment 1964

Carton 46, Folder 12

Noyce prize 1988

Carton 46, Folder 13

Raleigh group 1965

Carton 46, Folder 14

Science policy 1973-1974

Carton 46, Folder 15-20

Select committee on education 1965-1966

Carton 46, Folder 21

Subvention 1963

Carton 46, Folder 22

Teaching evaluation forms 1971

Carton 46, Folder 23-24

University wide committee on educational policy 1965-1966

Carton 46, Folder 25

Conflict of interest statements 1981-1989

Carton 46, Folder 26-28

Correspondence 1976-1983

Carton 46, Folder 29

Laser patent 1965

 

Lawrence Berkeley (National) Laboratory/Laboratory for Chemical Biodynamics

Carton 46, Folder 30-31

Appointment 1979-1980

Carton 47, Folder 1-18

Chronological file 1980-1987

Carton 47, Folder 19-21

Divisional review 1981, 1984, 1986

Carton 47, Folder 22-31

Department of Energy 1981-1989

Carton 47, Folder 32

Job content questionnaire 1982

Carton 47, Folder 33

Job description 1986

Carton 47, Folder 34

Miscellaneous 1989

Carton 47, Folder 35

Tritium facility 1981-1983

Carton 48, Folder 1-3

Tritium facility 1981-1989

Carton 48, Folder 4

Security clearance 1981

Carton 48, Folder 5

Life sciences advisory council 1987-1988

Carton 48, Folder 6

Loyalty oath 1949-1950

Carton 48, Folder 7

Miller application 1969, 1971

Carton 48, Folder 8

Patent proposals: solar energy 1974-1975

Carton 48, Folder 9

Peer teaching 1974-1976

Carton 48, Folder 10-20

Phone logs 1966-1984

Carton 48, Folder 21

Radio astronomy laboratory 1972

Carton 48, Folder 22-24

Science policy colloquium 1975-1976

Carton 48, Folder 25

Science research policy 1971-1974

Carton 48, Folder 26-32

Secretary's notebooks 1982-1986

Carton 48, Folder 33

Space sciences laboratory 1966-1972

Carton 48, Folder 34

UC Santa Cruz job offer 1972

 

Series 12: Writing 1949-1989

Physical Description: Cartons 51-59

Arrangement

Arranged by type of project: books, films, reprints, manuscripts, and miscellaneous, then alphabetically by folder title.

Scope and Content Note

This series documents Pimentel's output of publications of various kinds. He wrote many of the signature works on teaching chemistry as well as journal articles and monographs on various aspects of chemistry, including a chemistry textbook that is still used today. Materials include drafts, correspondence with publishers and collaborators, contracts, reviews, photographs, and research notes.
 

Books and monographs

Carton 51, Folder 1-16

Chem Study 1965-1976

Carton 51, Folder 17-25

Chemical Bonding 1968-1970

Carton 51, Folder 26

Faculty comments on books 1968-1969

Carton 51, Folder 27

Free Radicals (chapter) 1958-1959

Carton 51, Folder 28-33

Holden-Day correspondence, etc. 1960-1974

Carton 51, Folder 34-42

Hydrogen Bond Book 1956-1971

Carton 51, Folder 1-2

Hydrogen Bond Book 1956-1958

Carton 52, Folder 3-5

Understanding Chemical Thermodynamics 1968-1969

Carton 60, Folder 1-33

Understanding Chemistry 1958-1975

 

Film, video, audio

Carton 52, Folder 6

Lasers lectures: audio draft transcripts 1972

Carton 52, Folder 7

Butyl Bromide film 1974

Carton 52, Folder 8

Chemical Education film 1973

Carton 52, Folder 9

Energy film 1974

Carton 52, Folder 10

Entropy Circa 1970-1979

Carton 52, Folder 11

Instructional T.V. in science and engineering 1973

Carton 52, Folder 12-13

Who's in Charge Here? film 1976-1977

Carton 52, Folder 14-18

Wondering about Things film 1970-1977

 

Journal articles and reprints

Carton 52, Folder 19

List 1975

Carton 52, Folder 20-42

By title 1955-1988

Carton 52, Folder 43-47

By date 1949-1973

Carton 53, Folder 1-9

By date 1964-1979

Carton 53, Folder 10-32

Draft manuscripts (2 -Chemiluminescence) 1957-1989

Carton 54, Folder 1-35

Draft manuscripts (Chemiluminescence-HF) 1959-1989

Carton 55, Folder 1-39

Draft manuscripts (HF-Infrared) 1950-1989

Carton 56, Folder 1-33

Draft manuscripts (Infrared-Matrix) 1960-1988

Carton 57, Folder 1-28

Draft manuscripts (Methyl-Photolysis) 1966-1989

Carton 58, Folder 1-38

Draft manuscripts (Methyl-Various) 1955-1989

Carton 59, Folder 1-14

Draft manuscripts (Vibrational-Xue) 1978-1989

Carton 59, Folder 15

Encyclopedia of Physics: hydrogen bond article 1989

Carton 59, Folder 16

Interview of Glen Seaborg 1981

Carton 59, Folder 17-19

Italian encyclopedia article 1980

Carton 59, Folder 20

Opinion: supersonic transport 1971

Carton 59, Folder 21

Polyacetylene bibliography 1984

Carton 59, Folder 22

Press release: Special Opportunities in Chemistry 1984

Carton 59, Folder 23

Reviews written 1980-1981

Carton 59, Folder 23

Technologisch Gezelschap yearbook introduction 1988