Special Collections Department
403 Parks Library
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2140

RS 13/20/1
Iowa State University

Department of Physics and Astronomy
Subject Files, 1882-2000, undated


Descriptive summary

creator: Iowa State University. Department of Physics and Astronomy
title: Subject Files
dates: 1882-2000, undated
extent: 0.21 linear feet (1 half-document box)
collection number: RS 13/20/1
repository: University Archives, Special Collections and University Archives Department, Iowa State University.
language: English

 

Administrative information

access: Open for research
publication rights: Consult Head, Special Collections and University Archives Department
preferred citation: Iowa State University, Department of Physics and Astronomy Subject Files, RS 13/20/1, Special Collections and University Archives Department, Iowa State University Library.

 

Administrative information

People, Families, and Corporate Bodies:

Iowa State University. Department of Physics and Astronomy -- Administration.
Iowa State University. Department of Physics and Astronomy -- Laboratory manuals.

Places:  
Subjects:

Physics -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Iowa

Astronomy -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Iowa
Genres: Procedures.  

 

Abstract

Established in 1870 under the direction of Professor William A. Anthony, the Physics Department (1870-1891) has since been known as the Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering (1891-1910), the Department of Physics and Illuminating Engineering (1910-1915), the Department of Physics (1915-1991), and finally the Department of Physics and Astronomy (1991-present). Graduate studies began prior to 1881, with doctoral work beginning in 1926. The collection consists of correspondence, reports, and other collected materials on various topics of concern to the department.

 

Historical note

The Physics Department was established in 1870 under the direction of William A. Anthony, Professor of Mechanics and Physics. Graduate work leading to the degree of Master of Science was first offered before 1881. The department was combined with the Department of Electrical Engineering in 1891. Separated from the Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering in 1910, the name of the department changed to the Department of Physics and Illuminating Engineering. In 1915, the name changed back to the Department of Physics. In 1926, doctoral work in applied physics was added to the graduate studies program. Rapid development of graduate education and research in physics began after World War II, when the Institute for Atomic Research was established with Professor Frank Spedding as the Director.  The departmental name was changed to the Department of Physics and Astronomy as of the 1991-1993 university course catalog.

 

Collection description

The collection (1882-2000, undated) consists of correspondence, reports, and other collected materials regarding various topics of concern to the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The Enrollment and Staff History folder is the most diverse in terms of content, including reports on faculty teaching assignments and workloads, equipment recently purchased for the lab, current student enrollment data with projections for future terms, payroll tables for instructors, and other documents that provide information about the makeup of the department.

 

Related materials

Additional collections related to the Department of Physics are classified under the RS 13/20 record series and can be found through the department's website.

 

Organization

The collection (1882-2000, undated) is arranged chronologically by each folder's oldest item.

 

Container list

Box

Folder

Title

Dates

1

1

Enrollment and Staff History

1882-1956, undated

1

2

Report of Sub-Committee on Department of Physics and Illuminating Engineering

1915 circa

1

3

Instrument Shop

1931-1960

1

4

Physics Laboratory Manual

1932

1

5

Physics Graduate Advisory Committee Notes

1965

1

6

Promotion and Tenure Policy and Procedure

1988

1

7

Departmental Self-Study

1989

1

8

Whole Earth Telescope

2000 circa