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Milton La Salle Humason Papers: Finding Aid
mssHumason papers  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
This collection consists primarily of the correspondence, dated 1948 to 1952, of Milton La Salle Humason (1891-1972), a staff astronomer for the Mount Wilson [& Palomar] Observatories, known chiefly for his collaboration with Edwin P. Hubble in the field of observational cosmology. There are occasional personal and scientific letters but these are few compared to the correspondence with the public, received and answered by Humason in his capacity as Secretary of the Observatory.
Background
Milton La Salle (his middle name has also been cited as Lasell) Humason was a staff astronomer for the Mount Wilson [& Palomar] Observatories throughout his entire astronomical career. Humason is remembered chiefly for his collaboration with Edwin P. Hubble in the field of observational cosmology. Perhaps his most notable accomplishment, however, was his rise from mule-driver and janitor at Mt. Wilson to the position of astronomer with the lack of a high-school education.
Extent
Approximately 2,100 items in 5 boxes.
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.