New York State Museum of Natural History Incoming Correspondence of the Assistant State Paleontologist, State Paleontologist, State Geologist, and State Museum Director A4208

New York State Museum of Natural History Incoming Correspondence of the Assistant State Paleontologist, State Paleontologist, State Geologist, and State Museum Director

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Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:

This series consists mostly of correspondence received by John M. Clarke, paleontologist and geologist while employed by the State Museum. Also included are a few letters to James Hall; letters received by "Professor Rupert Jones"; and notes and maps of amateur paleontologist Olof O. Nylander concerning paleontological research done in Maine.

Creator:

New York (State). Education Department. Division of Visual Instruction

Title:

Incoming correspondence of the Assistant State Paleontologist, State Paleontologist, State Geologist, and State Museum Director

Quantity:

4.1 cubic feet

Inclusive Dates:

1804-1919

Bulk Dates:

bulk 1881-1915

Series Number:

A4208

Arrangement

Alphabetic by name of writer, then chronological by date written.

Administrative History

John M. Clarke was appointed as an assistant to State Geologist and Paleontologist James Hall in 1886. Subsequently, he held the positions of Assistant State Paleontologist (1890-1898), State Paleontologist (1898-1925), and State Geologist and State Museum Director (1904-1925).

Scope and Content Note

Also included in this series are a few letters addressed to James Hall, ca. 1840-1876; a small number of letters received by "Professor Rupert Jones" (Thomas Rupert Jones, English geologist and paleontologist); and scattered earlier letters to other individuals, most not concerning the state' geological or paleontological work.

A4208-87: This series mostly consists of correspondence received by John M. Clarke while he was employed by the State Museum.

The correspondence received by Clarke is related to his work for the State Museum as well as his general professional career as a paleontologist and geologist. The letters are from fellow scientists (including members of other state and national geological surveys), collectors and suppliers of fossils, and officers of professional organizations. Prominent correspondents include Charles E. Beecher, William B. Clark, James D. Dana, Amadeus W. Grabau, D. Dana Luther, Charles S. Prosser, Charles Schuchert, and Charles D. Walcott. Some of the subjects of this correspondence are: discussion of paleontological issues such as fossil identification and significance, stratigraphy, naming of fossils; field work activities of State Museum staff; submission of manuscripts to the State Museum for publication; transaction of professional society business; and management of professional journals.

The correspondence received by James Hall consists of a few isolated letters from other scientists, including a small number from Joseph Henry. Most letters concern Hall's collection of paleontological specimens or his work on the Paleontology of New York.

The correspondence received by Thomas Rupert Jones was written by several European scientists and generally concerns Jones specialty of fossil "microzoa." It is unknown how these items came to be among Clarke's correspondence.

A4208-97: This series contains notes and maps of amateur paleontologist Olof O. Nylander concerning his paleontological research done in Maine in 1904-1906. Approximately 10 maps are included, of which some are hand-drawn on fabric and tracing paper and some printed with and without notations. A few notes refer to USGS Bulletin number 163 and how his research relates to this previously published information. Nylander sent fossil specimens to, and was a frequent correspondent with, State Paleontologist John Clarke, their chief mutual interest being related geologic strata appearing in both Maine and New York.

Related Material

B0561 State Museum Director's, State Geologists', and State Paleontologist's Correspondence File

A0260 State Museum Director's, State Geologist's and State Paleontologist's Incoming Correspondence Relating to Research on the Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec and

B0575 State Paleontologist's Correspondence File, are related series.

Other Finding Aids

Available at Repository

A4208-87: Container list.

Custodial History

A4208-87: According to a label found in one box, these records were presented to the State Museum by Noah T. Clarke on August 9, 1956. They were boxed with Series A4209, Vouchers for Payment of Expenses of the Geological and Natural History Survey and the State Geologist. The records might have formerly been referenced as the "John M. Clarke Collection."