Eisner (Betty Grover) Papers

Personal and family papers Series 1 1927-1987

Series Description

This series includes a variety of materials related to Eisner's early education, marriage, and family life. Included are report cards from Kansas City public schools and Stanford University and a scrapbook of Stanford Daily clippings which documents Eisner's involvement in campus life from 1933-1937.

The correspondence in this series is of a highly personal nature, particularly the correspondence which documents Eisner's relationship with her first husband, Will Eisner, in the years immediately prior to his death from lung cancer in 1965. Betty's correspondence with Will's family is also intensely personal, discussing the couple's marital difficulties in detail.

Also included is personal writing by Eisner, including a diary of dreams and free association writing, both of which appear to reflect her growing interest in psychology prior to enrolling in UCLA's clinical psychology Ph.D. program.

There is also a subseries comprised of material created by or about Will Eisner. It includes correspondence, documentation of his employment at the Rand Corporation and SRI, personal writings on his experiences with psychotherapy, and documents related to his estate.

A second subseries contains materials related to a year-long trip taken by Will and Betty Eisner in 1948 and 1949. Destinations included Europe, India, and Egypt. During this trip, letters that Betty ostensibly wrote to her family were published as a Los Angeles Times column titled "Travel Letter from Betty." Included in this series are complete manuscripts for these columns and a scrapbook with newspaper clippings of the published column. There are also letters from Will Eisner to his family while abroad, correspondence documenting a dispute over money that was seized from the Eisners at the Indian border, and Betty's correspondence with met while traveling.

Arrangement

Files are arranged alphabetically within each subseries.

box 1, folder 1

Advertisement for illuminated darning egg invented and sold by Betty and Will Eisner 1946

box 1, folder 2

Correspondence re: attempt to purchase a Studebaker 1947

box 1, folder 3

Correspondence with Eisner family [1 of 3] 1957-1973

box 1, folder 4

Correspondence with Eisner family [2 of 3] 1957-1973

box 1, folder 5

Correspondence with Eisner family [3 of 3] 1957-1973

box 1, folder 6

Correspondence re: separation and Will's illness [1 of 2] 1963-1964

box 1, folder 7

Correspondence re: separation and Will's illness [2 of 2] 1963-1964

box 1, folder 8

Correspondence re: Will's illness 1964

box 1, folder 9

Correspondence, condolence letters re: Will's death [1 of 2] 1965-1966

box 1, folder 10

Correspondence, condolence letters re: Will's death [2 of 2] 1965-1966

box 1, folder 11

Mexico investments 1965-1966

box 1, folder 12

Personal writing, diary re: relationship with Will 1961

box 2, folder 1

Personal writing, dreams [1 of 2] 1947-1952

box 2, folder 2

Personal writing, dreams [2 of 2] 1947-1952

box 2, folder 3

Personal writing, free association 1946

box 2, folder 4

Personal writing, free associaion (24 hour association) 1947 August 9

box 2, folder 5

Personal writing, free associaion 1951-1955

box 2, folder 6

Personal writing, UCLA workshop 1987

box 2, folder 7

Promotional material for "song poetry" performance by Eisner (as Abigail Bradbury) and Charlotte Lancaster undated

box 2, folder 8

Psychological tests, Will and Betty 1947-1951, undated

box 2, folder 9

Report cards 1925-1936

box 2, folder 10

Rorschach test, Helen W. Grover (mother of Betty) 1950

box 2, folder 11

Scrapbook of Stanford Daily clippings circa 1933-1937

box 2, folder 12

Songwriting, copyright registration forms plus index cards with song titles 1971-1979

Will Eisner 1927-1967

box 3, folder 1

Correspondence, incoming 1947-1963

box 3, folder 2

Eisner, Milton (Will's father), death 1960

box 3, folder 3

Employment at Rand and SRI 1959-1963, undated

box 3, folder 4

Estate (1 of 2) 1959-1967

box 3, folder 5

Estate (2 of 2) 1959-1967

box 3, folder 6

Personal documents 1927-1965

box 3, folder 7

Writings on therapy 1949-1950, undated

World Trip 1948-1967

box 4, folder 1

Correspondence from Will to family during trip [1 of 3] 1948-1949

box 4, folder 2

Correspondence from Will to family during trip [2 of 3] 1948-1949

box 4, folder 3

Correspondence from Will to family during trip [3 of 3] 1948-1949

box 4, folder 4

Correspondence re: money confiscated in India 1949-1951

box 4, folder 5

Correspondence with people met on world trip 1949-1967

box 4, folder 6

Correspondence, writing, and miscellaneous materials 1948-1949

box 4, folder 7

Newspaper column, correspondence about 1948-1949

box 4, folder 8

Newspaper column, manuscripts [1 of 2] 1948-1949

box 4, folder 9

Newspaper column, manuscripts [2 of 2] 1948-1949

box 4, folder 10

Newspaper column, scrapbook of Los Angeles Times clippings 1948-1949

Writing Series 2 1957-2002, undated

Series Description

The bulk of this series consists of journal articles, conference papers, and other professional writing by Eisner. Most of these works have been published, although some are unpublished manuscripts. There is also a copy of a manuscript for Eisner's book The Unused Potential of Marriage and Sex (published 1970) and an unpublished manuscript based on Eisner's experiences with group therapy titled I Can't, You Can't, But We Can.

Later in life Eisner pursued creative writing and composed poetry under the name Abigail Bradbury. Although there are no examples of her poetry in this series, there are manuscripts of a series of fables, titled "New Fables for New Times," written by Eisner in the early 1990s.

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically.

box 5, folder 1

"Current Thinking on LSD Therapy" (with Sidney Cohen) 1957

box 5, folder 2

"Psychotherapy with Lysergic Acid Diethylamide" (written with Sidney Cohen) 1958

box 5, folder 3

"Subjective Reports on Lysergic Acid Experiences... " (with Sidney Cohen and Lionel Fischman) 1958

box 5, folder 4

"The Influence of LSD on Unconscious Activity" 1961

box 5, folder 6

"Some Psychological Differences Between Fertile and Infertile Women" 1963

box 5, folder 7

"Notes on the Use of Drugs to Facilitate Group Psychotherapy" 1964

box 5, folder 8

"Psychedelics and People as Adjuncts to Psychotherapy" 1964

box 5, folder 9

"The Importance of the Non-Verbal" 1965

box 5, folder 10

The Unused Potential of Marriage and Sex, original manuscript [1 of 3] 1970

box 5, folder 11

The Unused Potential of Marriage and Sex, original manuscript [2 of 3] 1970

box 5, folder 12

The Unused Potential of Marriage and Sex, original manuscript [3 of 3] 1970

box 5, folder no folder

The Unused Potential of Marriage and Sex 1970

box 5, folder 13

"The Group as a Means and Matrix for Change" 1971

box 5, folder 14

See You To-Morrow, by the Children of Mexcales (words by Betty Eisner, pictures by Les McCann) 1972

box 5, folder 15

"The Use of an Alpha Feedback Machine in a Therapeutic Problem Solving Setting" (with Jonathan D. Melvin) 1972

box 5, folder 16

"The Two Faces of Man's Problem Today" 1974

box 5, folder 17

"Networking Provides Realtime Application Upgrade from TRT-11 to VMS" (with Jonathan D. Melvin) 1987

box 5, folder 18

"New Fables for New Times," manuscripts and drafts [1 of 2] circa 1987

box 6, folder 1

"New Fables for New Times," manuscripts and drafts [2 of 2] circa 1987

box 6, folder 2

"New Fables for New Times," manuscripts and drafts [3 of 3] circa 1987

box 6, folder 3

"Huaulta -- Place Where Eagles Are Born," manuscript and drafts circa 1994

box 6, folder 4

"Physical and Psychical Loading," paper read at Society for Scientific Exploration meeting 1995

box 6, folder 5

Response to Daniel J. Benor's comments on "loading" and "telesomatic reactions" 1996

box 6, folder 6

"The Sick Role Versus the Dying Role," (written with Humphrey Osmond) 1996

box 6, folder 7

"Body Work and Psychological Healing" 1997

box 6, folder 8

"Set, Setting, and Matrix" 1997

box 6, folder 9

Excerpt from Remembrance of LSD Therapy Past 2002

box 6, folder 10

I Can't, You Can't, But We Can, third draft (final?) [1 of 3] undated

box 6, folder 11

I Can't, You Can't, But We Can, third draft (final?) [2 of 3] undated

box 6, folder 12

I Can't, You Can't, But We Can, third draft (final?) [3 of 3] undated

box 6, folder 13

Living in the Now, foreword, chapter 1, and appendix D undated

box 6, folder 14

"Observations on Possible Order Within the Unconscious" undated

box 6, folder 15

"Observations on the Psychotherapeutic Use of Ritalin" undated

box 6, folder 16

"The Paradox of Carroll John Daly," manuscript and research material (includes manuscript of a Daly short story) undated

box 6, folder 17

"Parallel Experiences" undated

Correspondence Series 3 1946-1998

Series Description

This series consists primarily of Eisner's professional correspondence. However, since Eisner developed close friendships with many colleagues who shared her interest in LSD and other drug research, much of the content is of a personal nature. Some files also include clippings and other materials. Researchers should note the presence of additional correspondence in other series, particularly in Series 1: Family Papers.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by last name of correspondent.

box 7, folder 1

Abramson, Harold 1957-1968, 1994

box 7, folder 2

Cohen, Sidney J. [1 of 2] 1967-1997, undated

box 7, folder 3

Cohen, Sidney J. [2 of 2] 1967-1997, undated

box 7, folder 4

Denber, Herman [1 of 3] 1957-1998

box 7, folder 5

Denber, Herman [2 of 3] 1957-1998

box 7, folder 6

Denber, Herman [3 of 3] 1957-1998

box 7, folder 7

Graf, Stanya 1965-1993

box 7, folder 8

Harman, Willis 1957-1997

box 7, folder 9

Hoffman, Albert [1 of 2] 1976-1997

box 7, folder 10

Hoffman, Albert [2 of 2] 1976-1997

box 8, folder 1

Hubbard, Al 1957-1965, undated

box 8, folder 2

Jung, Carl 1952-1972

box 8, folder 3

Krishnamurti, J. [1 of 3] 1946-1986

box 8, folder 4

Krishnamurti, J. [2 of 3] 1946-1986

box 8, folder 5

Krishnamurti, J. [3 of 3] 1946-1996

box 8, folder 6

Martin, Joyce 1957, 1963-1970

box 8, folder 7

Naranjo, Caludio 1965, 1981

box 8, folder 8

Nin, Anais, correspondence and clippings 1958-1992

box 8, folder 14

Osment, Humphrey 1961-1970

box 8, folder 9

Powers, Tom and Zip Riley 1957-1995

box 8, folder 10

Sandison, Ron and Margaret [1 of 3] 1958-1997

box 8, folder 11

Sandison, Ron and Margaret [2 of 3] 1958-1997

box 8, folder 12

Sandison, Ron and Margaret [3 of 3] 1958-1997

box 8, folder 13

Terman, Lewis 1946-1956

box 8, folder 15

Miscellaneous correspondence

Legal files Series 4 1975-1994

Series Description

Files in this series relate to legal action against Eisner following a patient's death in 1976. In addition to the wrongful death investigation that followed, Eisner faced an ethics investigation by the California State Psychological Association and the American Psychological Association, as well as an investigation and hearing before the Psychology Examining Committee of the California Board of Medical Quality Assurance. As a result of this investigation, her professional license was revoked in 1978. At Eisner's request, relicensing hearings were held in 1980 and 1983. In both cases the Psychology Examining Committee refused to restore her license. This series includes copies of legal documents, correspondence, and other supporting material collected by Eisner.

Also included is one file on a small claims court case filed against a patient in 1973.

Arrangement

Files are arranged chronologically within each subseries.

Small claims court case 1973-1974

box 9, folder 1

Small claims court case against Karen Otte 1973-1974

Wrongful death investigation and lawsuits 1976-1984

box 9, folder 2

Inquest and wrongful death lawsuit [1 of 3] 1976-1984

box 9, folder 3

Inquest and wrongful death lawsuit [2 of 3] 1976-1984

box 9, folder 4

Inquest and wrongful death lawsuit [3 of 3] 1976-1984

box 9, folder 5

State of California et. al. v. Eisner, Declarations in Opposition to Motion for Preliminary Injunction, 1977 [1 of 2] 1977

box 9, folder 6

State of California et. al. v. Eisner, Declarations in Opposition to Motion for Preliminary Injunction, 1977 [2 of 2] 1977

box 9, folder 7

State of California et. al. v. Eisner, declarations of witnesses 1977

box 9, folder 8

State of California et. al. v. Eisner, Objections and Motion to Strike Proffered Evidence 1977

box 9, folder 9

State of California et. al. v. Eisner, other legal filings 1977

box 9, folder 10

Unsworn statement of Betty Eisner 1978

box 9, folder 11

Insurance company lawsuit [1 of 3] 1981-1984

box 9, folder 12

Insurance company lawsuit [2 of 3] 1981-1984

box 10, folder 1

Insurance company lawsuit [3 of 3] 1981-1984

box 10, folder 2

Insurance company lawsuit, Betty Eisner deposition 1982

box 10, folder 3

Insurance company lawsuit, William Raymond Micks deposition 1982

Board of Medical Quality Assurance hearings and license revocation 1975-1994

box 17, folder 1

Accusation against Eisner 1977

box 10, folder 4

Board of Medical Quality Assurance hearing, background materials [1 of 2] 1975-1978, undated

box 10, folder 5

Board of Medical Quality Assurance hearing, background materials [2 of 2] 1975-1978, undated

box 10, folder 6

Affidavits given by Eisner patients to Board of Medical Quality Assurance 1977

box 10, folder 7

Board of Medical Quality Assurance hearing, statements by Eisner and patients [1 of 2] 1977

box 10, folder 8

Board of Medical Quality Assurance hearing, statements by Eisner and patients [2 of 2] 1977

box 10, folder 9

Board of Medical Quality Assurance hearing, legal filings 1977-1978

box 10, folder 10

Board of Medical Quality Assurance decision against Eisner 1978

box 10, folder 11

Eisner v. Psychology Examining Committee, legal filings 1979

box 10, folder 12

Relicensing hearing 1980

box 17, folder 2

Relicensing hearing, exhibits 1980

box 11, folder 1

Relicensing hearing, transcripts and decision 1980

box 11, folder 2

Relicensing attempt, affidavits and letters of support 1983

box 11, folder 3

Relicensing attempt, statements on behalf of Eisner 1983

box 11, folder 4

Petition for license restoration and correspondence re: hearing 1983-1984

box 11, folder 5

Relicensing hearing, transcript 1984

box 11, folder 6

Relicensing hearing, decision and follow-up 1984-1985

box 11, folder 7

Relicensing attempts, miscellaneous materials [1 of 2] 1979-1994

box 11, folder 8

Relicensing attempts, miscellaneous materials [2 of 2] 1979-1994

American Psychological Association and California State Psychological Associtation ethics investigations 1976-1980

box 11, folder 9

American Psychological Association Committee Hearing [1 of 4] 1976-1979

box 11, folder 10

American Psychological Association Committee Hearing [2 of 4] 1976-1979

box 12, folder 1

American Psychological Association Committee Hearing [3 of 4] 1976-1979

box 12, folder 2

American Psychological Association Committee Hearing [4 of 4] 1976-1979

box 12, folder 3

American Psychological Association and California State Psychological Association Ethics Investigations [1 of 4] 1977-1980

box 12, folder 4

American Psychological Association and California State Psychological Association Ethics Investigations [2 of 4] 1977-1980

box 12, folder 5

American Psychological Association and California State Psychological Association Ethics Investigations [3 of 4] 1977-1980

box 12, folder 6

American Psychological Association and California State Psychological Association Ethics Investigations [4 of 4] 1977-1980

box 12, folder 7

Correspondence re: legal cases 1977-1979

box 12, folder 8

Miscellaneous papers re: legal cases

Therapy and research files Series 5 1946-1995, undated

Series Description

The bulk of this series consists of Eisner's detailed narrative accounts of therapy sessions, the majority of which involved the use of LSD, ritalin, ketamine, and other psychoactive drugs. Early session reports include descriptions of Eisner's own use of these drugs; later, she focused on her experiences facilitating group therapy sessions in which participants were given drugs in an attempt to break through psychological barriers. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, these sessions increasingly incorporated other non-mainstream therapies, including mineral baths, "blasting" (a technique in which patients immersed in a mineral bath were encouraged to yell and scream while muffled by a washcloth), and massage.

There is also a subseries related to Eisner's involvement with the Sequoia Seminar. The Sequoia Seminar was established by Stanford University Law professor Harry Rathbun and his wife, Emalia, in the 1930s. Its original goal was the study of historical records of the life of Jesus in a non-religious context. Many of Betty Eisner's early LSD subjects were Sequoia Seminar participants.

Arrangement

Arrangement varies by subseries.

Audio materials Series 6 1957-1972, undated

Series Description

Audio recordings, primarily of drug sessions conducted by Eisner in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The recordings were not played back during processing.

Therapy sessions

Conditions Governing Access

access to the collection is restricted according to the Department's Access to Health Information of Individuals Policy . Please contact the University Archives for more information.

Events and Talks

box 18

Eisner, Betty, reading The Prophet 18.43 undated

Eisner, Betty, reading The Prophet: undated