A collection of material relating to electron microscopes.
Scope and Contents:
This material was collected by Mr. Borasky over a long period during which he worked in the field of electron microscopy.
Borasky's correspondence with many of the major figures in the field is included. Much of this correspondence was initiated by Borasky as a means of documenting the history of electron microscopy that he attempted to write over many years. The question of priority of invention and the many steps in development of these instruments are prominent elements of the correspondence.
The collection includes documentation of early events in the development and use of the electron microscope. Numerous reprints of articles, some by pioneers in the field, are supplemented by micrographs (photos) of various materials.
As part of the collection, more than 70 audio tapes were made by Mr. Borasky, recording interviews and lectures relating to microscopy and other matters. The quality of these recordings is generally not satisfactory, however.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into seven series.
Series 1: Personal, 1948-1987
Series 2: Surveys of Colleagues and Responses, 1959-1982
Series 3: Other Correspondence, 1940-1988
Series 4: Electron Microscopy Societies, 1942-1974
Series 5: Development and Applications of Electron Microscopy, 1935-1986
Series 6: Early History of Electron Microscope (draft material; correspondence), 1942-1987
Series 7: Scientific Publications, 1930-1985; 8. Audio Tapes, 1971-1977
Biographical / Historical:
Rubin Borasky (1910- ) was born in Philadelphia, PA and was educated at Temple University (AB in 1932, AM in 1936, Ph. D. in 1950). He was employed as a teaching assistant at Temple 1932 1934 and as a teacher in Philadelphia secondary schools 1934-1939. Later he worked as a biologist and chemist in U. S. Department of Agriculture, as senior scientist (electron microscopy) for the General Electric Company and as electron micographer at the University of Illinois. He was a member of the Electron Microscopy Society of America and other professional societies in the field of electron microscopy.
Provenance:
The collection was donated by Charlotte S. Borasky, August 1, 1992.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
