Collection Guide
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Guide to the Russell and Sigurd Varian Papers
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Table of contents
Description
The Varian papers span almost a hundred years of creative and independent thinking, from early manuscripts of poetry by John
O. Varian, to the creation and growth of Varian Associates. In addition to original research notebooks and correspondence
regarding the klystron, the papers of Russell and Sigurd Varian include materials on numerous other inventions and ideas from
Russell's work for Philo Farnsworth and Humble Oil as well as the brothers' years at Stanford and at Varian Associates. Unpublished
short stories by Sigurd reveal his sense of humor as well as the adventure and danger of his career as a pilot in Mexico and
Central America.
Background
Russsell and Sigurd Varian were co-inventors, with William W. Hansen, of the klystron and rhumbatron and co-founders of Varian
Associates. Educated at Stanford University, physicist and inventor Russell Varian began his career with Philo Farnsworth
on early television technology and with Humble Oil on instrumentation for oil exploration. In 1935, he returned to Stanford.
Joined by his brother, Sigurd, a pilot with Pan American Airlines, he began work on microwave technology as a research assistant
with Professor William Hansen. The klystron patent brought both financial gain to the University and the attention of federal
research agencies, while leading to the formation of Varian Associates, one of California's first Silicon Valley companies.
Extent
26 Linear feet