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Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Collection

Creator:
Perkins, James Secor  Search this
Gilbreth, Frank Bunker, 1868-1924  Search this
Gilbreth, Lillian Moller, 1878-1972  Search this
Extent:
5 Cubic feet (19 boxes)
5 Cubic feet (19 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Videotapes
Betacam sp (videotape format)
Motion pictures (visual works)
Date:
1907-2000
bulk 1911-1924
Summary:
The collection consists primarily of glass plate slides (negative and positive), photo prints, and stereographs documenting the work undertaken by Frank and Lillian Gilbreth from 1910 to 1924 in the fields of motion study, shop efficiency, and factory organization. Also included are slides dcoumenting the Gilbreth Family, their travels, residences, and friends. The collection also contains the film "The Original Films of Gilbreth The Quest for the One Best Way," 1968 by James S. Perkins.
Scope and Contents:
The collection consists primarily of glass plate slides (negative and positive), photo prints, and stereographs documenting the work undertaken by Frank and Lillian Gilbreth from 1910 to 1924 in the fields of motion study, shop efficiency, and factory organization. As scientific managers, the Gilbreth's introduced new techniques to analyze work, the workplace, and work practices with the goal of eliminating waste to maximize productivity. The collection illustrates these new techniques and their application to a wide variety of studies. The collection is diverse and provides insight into understanding how Gilbreth approached his studies. Also included are slides documenting the Gilbreth Family, their travels, residences, and friends. The collection also contains the film "The Original Films of Gilbreth The Quest for the One Best Way," 1968 by James S. Perkins.

Series 1, Background Information, 1892-1997, includes biographical materials about Frank B. Gilbreth; copies of some of Frank Gilbreth's patents, 1892-1916; and printed materials, 1907-1997, that contain articles, newspaper and magazine clippings about Frank and Lillian Gilbreth and time and motion study generally. Black-and-white photo prints of Gilbreth or work Gilbreth documented from collections held at Purdue University and Ohio State University are included.

Series 2, Glass plate stereo slides, 1910-1924, consists of approximately 2,250 glass stereo slides photographed by Frank B. Gilbreth and others and intended for viewing through an optical viewing machine. Some are positive black and white, positive color, and negative black and white. The subject matter of the slides covers the work undertaken by Frank Gilbreth from 1910 to 1924 in the fields of motion study, shop efficiency, and factory organization. Many of the images serve as documentation for the studies the couple performed as they were hired by firms in an attempt to provide solutions to the problems of inefficiency. Also included are the Gilbreth Family, their travels, residences, and friends.

The slides are numbered sequentially. For example, a glass plate slide numbered 318949.001 will have a corresponding photoprint 318949.001 in Series 3, Photoprints of glass plate slides. Note: not all glass plate slides have corresponding photoprints. Additionally, there are Office of Photographics Services, Smithsonian Institution negative numbers assigned to many of the photo prints.

Some subject categories include:

Frank B. Gilbreth: working in motion laboratories, on factory inspections, seated in offices, with family and friends, in World War I uniform, watching and monitoring shop operations.

Lillian M. Gilbreth: with family, during university graduation ceremonies, traveling and working with Frank and observing office workers.

Gilbreth Family: family on the road in an automobile, at home seated around the dinner table, in the parlor, in the garden, and with friends and relatives.

Gilbreth ship travel: contains views on steamer voyages to Europe, deck scenes, arrivals, departures, ship officers and crew, and other passengers.

Automobile assembly study: internal and external views of a warehouse/factory, including large piles or rows of metal car frames and other parts.

Benchwork study: images of a male worker standing or sitting in a chair while filing an object secured in a vice at a workbench.

Betterment: images of efforts whcih contributed to industrial betterment (the Gilbreth chair, employee library, and the home reading box).

Bricklaying study: view of men wearing overalls and caps, shoveling, and men laying bicks.

Business and apparatus of motion study: views of lectures, meetings, film showings, demonstrations, charts, drawings, motion models, charts amd some equipment.

Disabled study: views of partially blind World War I veterans, amputees using special tytpewriter, assembling machinery, use of cructhes, and a one armed dentist.

Factory bench work: table-top machines assembly operations, hand tools, orderly arrangement of parts prior to and during assembly and a variety of bench vises.

Factory documentation: various images of the interior and edterior of factories including heavy machinery.

Golfing study: various cyclegraphs of a man swinging a golf club.

Grid boards: back drops used by Gikbreth to isolate and measure worker motions. This includes walls, floors, desktops, and drop cloths divided into grids of various densities and scales.

Handwriting and cyclegraphs: finger lights moving in patterns of script.

Ladders: include step ladders and painters' ladders shown in use near shelving.

Light assembly study: wide variety of images ranging from cyclegraphs of women working, to the factory floor as well as tools and machinery.

Materials handling study: different angles of an empty cart, a cart oiled high with boxes, and a man pushing a cart illustrating different body positions.

Military study: illustrate work on the Army foot meausring machine, gun parts, men holding a rifle.

Motion models: images of simple wire motionmodels.

Needle trade study: views of textile machinery and workers.

Office study: various shots inside of an office with tables, desks, drawers, files, and typewriters. Some of the images are cyclegraphs of femal and male workers performing tasks, such as writing, both tin the context of an office as well as in front of a grdidded background. There are several close-ups of an organizer containing penciles, paperclips, pins and rubberbands.

Packing: methods of placing and arranging goods in boxes, such as soap packing.

Panama-Pacific Exposition 1915: contains views of statuary, fountains, and architecture of the exposition held in San Francisco.

Pure light cyclegraphs: no workers or grids visible only finger lights in motion.

Rubber stamping study: hand movements and access to ink pads and stamps.

Scenic views: views of buildings, landscapes, street scenes, and fountains from around the world documenting Gilbreth's travels.

Shoe making study: laboratory studies of shoe assembly operations with an emphasis on workers access to component pieces.

Shop machinery: various shots of machines and workers working with machines.

Signage: include organizational flow charts, shop floor plans, route maps, office layouts, numbering systems, exhibit display boards illustrating Frank Gilbreth's efficiency studies and techniques.

Stacking: views of the art and science of stacking boxes, clothing, equipment, containers, and vertical storage without shelves.

Stock bins: consists of storage pips, paper, other raw materials, shelves, and corridoe shots.

Storage: images illustrate contrast between old techniques and new.

Surgical and dental studies: thester views of surgeons, assistants, nurses, hand motions in grasping, placing surgical instruments, dental work and self inspection of teeth.

Tool cribs: storage of hand tools in shops with an emphasis on easy access and easy inventorying.

Typing study: various views of femaile s under observation using Remington typewriters.

Series 3, Photoprints of glass plate slides, 1910-1924, consist of black and white photoprints of the glass plate slides depicting the fields of motion study, shop efficiency, and factory organization. Also included are the Gilbreth Family, their travels, residences, and friends.

Series 5, Stereographs,1911-1914,

Series 6, Audio Visual Materials, 1968, 2000, and undated, is divided into three subseries: Subseries 1, Audio visual documentation, 1968 and undated; Subseries 2, Moving Images, 1968 and undated; and Subseries 3, Audio Recordings, 1980, 1990,. 2000 and undated. The series contains several formats: 7" open reel-to-reel audio tape, 1/2" VHS, Beta Cam SP, DVD, audio cassette, one inch audio tape, and 16 mm film.

Subseries 1, Audio visual documentation, 1967-1968 and undated, consists of supplemental documentation for the film, "The Original Films of Gilbreth The Quest for the One Best Way." Specifically, there are brochures and other printed materials detailing what the film is about and how copies may be obtained. This subseries also contains a copy of the book Cheaper by the Dozen, 1948. The book was written by Frank Bunker Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey and tells the biographical story of Frank Bunker Gilbreth and Lillian Moller Gilbreth, and their twelve children. The book was adapted to film by Twentieth Century Fox in 1950.

Subseries 2, Moving Images, 1967, consists of one title, "The Original Films of Gilbreth The Quest for the One Best Way." The film materials consist of the film's production elements: 16 mm black and white negative A-roll; 16mm black-and-white negative B-roll; and the optical track negative. Each is 800 feet in length.

The film presents a summary of work analysis films which were taken by Frank B. Gilbreth between 1919 and 1924 showing a number of industrial operations from which the motion study was developed. Demonstrates motion and fatigue study, skill study, plant layout and material handling, inventory control, production control, business procedures, safety methods, developing occupations for the handicapped, athletic training and skills, military training, and surgical operations as researched and developed by Gilbreth. Points out that Gilbreth created entirely new techniques on how to improve industrial efficiency, while at the same time significantly improving conditions for the workers. The film was produced by James S. Perkins in collaboration with Dr. Ralph M. Barnes and with commentary by Liilian M. Gilbreth and James S. Perkins. The film was presented on December 3, 1968 at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Annual Meeting in New York. The formats for this title include: 16 mm, Beta Cam SP, and DVD. Additionally, there is a one inch audio tape recording for the film.

Subseries 3, Audio Recordings, 1980, 1990, 2000 and undated consist of a Smithsonian radio program titled "Inside the Smithsonian, Cheaper by The Dozen," from 1980 and an recording of Ernestine Gilbreth Casey discussing Gilbreth Family photographs from 2000. Hosted by [Ann Carroll?], "Inside the Smithsonian, Cheaper by The Dozen," featured Fred and Bill Gilbreth discussing their parents Frank and Lillian, Gilbreth, and the book Cheaper by the Dozen. The radio program coincided with the 100th Anniversary of the American Society of Mechancial Engineers (founded 1880)of which Lillian Gilbreth was the Society's first female member and showcased a single case exhibition at the Museum of History and Technology (now the National Museum of American History) titled "Frank and Lillian Gilbreth: Motion Engineers." Inside Smithosnian Radio was a weekly program produced by the Office of Telecommunications. The recording of Ernestine Gilbreth Carey was recorded on July 9, 2000 and documents Ms. Carey's identification and discussion of Gilbreth Family photographs. David Ferguson assisted in the discussion. A hard copy index to the photographs Ms. Carey discusses is available.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into six series.

Series 1: Background Materials, 1892-1997

Subseries 1.1: Frank B. Gilbreth, undated

Subseries 1.2: Frank B. Gilbreth patents, 1892-1916

Subseries 1.3: Printed Materials, 1907-1997

Series 2: Glass Stereo Slides (Positive), 1910-1924 and undated

Series 3: Photo prints of glass stereo slides, 1910-1924 and undated

Subseries 3.1: Photo Print Books, 1-9, undated

Subseries 3.2: Photo prints (duplicates), undated

Series 4: Stereo Autochromes, undated

Series 5: Stereograph Cards, 1911-1914

Series 6: Audio Visual Materials, 1968, 1990, 2000 and undated

Subseries 6.1, Audio visual documentation, 1968 and undated

Subseries 6.2: Moving images, 1968 and undated

Subseries 6.3: Audio recordings, 1980, 1990, 2000, and undated
Biographical / Historical:
Frank Gilbreth is best known for his work on the efficiency of motion. Working with his wife and professional partner Lillian Moller Gilbreth, he applied modern psychology to his work with management. His innovative motion studies were used on factory workers, typists and people with disabilities. Gilbreth established the link between psychology and education to be succesful management.

Frank Gilbreth was born in Fairfield, Maine on July 7, 1868. His parents, John and Martha Bunker Gilbreth were New Englanders. John Gilbreth ran a hardware business, but died when Frank was only three. Bearing the responsibilty of raising her children alone, Martha moved the family twice in search of quality education for her children. Ultimately she decided to school the children herself. In 1885, Frank graduated from English High School in Boston. Despite gaining admission into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Frank opted to enter the work world immediately as a bricklayer's apprentice with Whidden and Company, building contractors in Boston.

Smart and skilled, Gilbreth worked his way up in the company. He learned the trade quickly and soon was promoted to supervisor, foreman, and finally to the position of superintendent. To further his edcuation, he went to night school to study mechanical drawing.

At the age of 27, Gilbreth embarked upon his first business venture. He started his own contracting firm. His firm developed a fine reputation for quality work at a very rapid pace. He invented tools, scaffolding, and other contraptions to make the job easier. His company goals included the elimination of waste, the conservation of energy, and the reduction of cost. His work included canals, factories, houses, and dams. His clients came from all parts of the United States, and he performed some work in England.

In 1903, Frank Gilbreth met Lillian Moller (1903-1972) and married her on October 19, 1904. Lillian graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a BA (1900) and MA (1902). She later earned a Ph.D from Brown University (1915), earning a dissertation titled The Psychology of Management. Lillian's academic work, large family and integral role in Frank's consulting business kept her busy. Her contributions to the business led to a greater understanding of an individual's welfare in the work world. This becamme a key idea to increasing productivity through scientific management techniques.

Working together, the couple became leaders in the new field of scientific management. They published books, gave lectures, and raised tweleve children together: Anne, Mary (1906--912), Ernestine, Martha, Frank Jr., William, Lillian, Frederick, Daniel, John, Robert and Jane. Some of Gilbreth's books include Fields System (1908); Concrete System (1908); Bricklaying System (1909; Motion Study (1911); and Primer of Scientific Management (1911). Gilbreth co-authored with Lillian: Time Study (1916); Fatigue Study (1916); Applied Motion Study (1917); and Motion Study for the Handicapped (1919).

It wasn't long before Gilbreth moved away from construction. Together with his wife, they focused on the link between psychology and motion. With her strong psychological background, and his interest in efficiency, the Gilbreth's opened the School of Scientific Management in 1913. The school was in session for four years. Numerous professional attended the school, and soon the Gilbreth's had established a reputation as consultant's to the new field of scientific management.

In 1912, Frank won a contract with the New England Butt Company in Providence, Rhode Island. There he installed his system of scientific management in a factory setting for the first time. Contracts with the Hermann-Aukam handkerchief manufacturing company in New Jersey and the Auergessellschaft Company in Germany followed. Using motion study, Gilbreth studied and reoganized the factories, attempting to find "the one best way" to do work.

Gilbreth traveled to Germany to continue his work was a scientific manager. He visited factories and hospitals, working to improve procedures and eliminate waste. Using micro-motion study and the chronocyclegraph procedure, he analyzed and dissected motion, discovering therblings, the seventeen fundamental units of any motion. World War I slowed Gilbreth's progress abroad, so he focused his consulting business on firms n the United States.

After World War I, Gilbreth's business thrived. in 1920, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers instituted its Management Division, something Gilbreth had been demanding for years. He was now a famous American engineer, gaining financial rewards as as professional honors.

Frank Gilbreth died suddenly of a heart attack on June 14, 1924, still in the middle of three contracts. He was honored after his death in 1944 by the American Society of Engineers and the American Management Association with the Gant Gold Medal. After Frank's death, Lillian moved the family to California where she continued to work on efficiency and health in industry issues. She was a respected buiness woman and was hired by several companies to train employees, study working conditions, and reduce fatigue. She lectured at several universities (Newark College of Engineering and the University of Wisconsin), and joined the faculty at Purdue University in 1935 as the first woman professor in the engineering school.

Frank and Lillian Gilbreth often used their large family (and Frank himself) as guinea pigs in experiments. Their family exploits are lovingly detailed in the 1948 book Cheaper by the Dozen, written by Frank Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey.
Related Materials:
Material in Other Institutions

Purdue University, Archives and Special Collections

Frank and Lillian Gilbreth papers, 1869-2000

The Gilbreth Papers documents the professional and personal lives of Frank Gilbreth and Lillian Gilbreth. The collection consists of personal papers, letters, correspondence, photographs, and other memorabilia that Lillian Gilbreth collected during her life regarding her youth, marriage, family, and career.

Collection of materials related to Lillian Gilbreth, 1964-2006

One folder of items relating to the life of Lillian Gilbreth, and her family, collected by her granddaughter, Lillian (Jill) Barley and Nancy Weston. Materials include clippings relating to the Lillian Gilbreth postage stamp (1984); obituaries and memorial programs for Peter Barney, Ernestine Carey, Lillian Gilbreth, Anne Gilbreth Barney, Charles Carey, and Frank Gilbreth Jr.; programs and photographs relating to Lillian Gilbreth's visit to Athens in 1964; and biographical information on Lillian Gilbreth.

Cornell University, Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation and Archives

Frank Gilbreth Papers on Microfilm, Collection Number: 5424 mf

Selected papers pertaining to industrial engineering. Original materials are held by Purdue University. Microfilm copied purchased from Purdue University in April 1968.
Provenance:
The collection materials were donated by several individuals: New Jersey Institute of Technology (1975); Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr., (1980); Ernestine Gilbreth Carey (1995); Daniel B. Gilbreth (1998); and James Secor Perkins in 2001.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but is stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Series 2: Glass Stereo Slides are restricted. Boxes 3-9 were digitized in 2021. Researchers must use digital copies. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
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.
Topic:
Motion study  Search this
Machinery industry  Search this
Machine shops  Search this
Industrial management  Search this
Industrial films  Search this
Industrial engineering  Search this
Genre/Form:
Videotapes
BetaCam SP (videotape format)
Motion pictures (visual works) -- 1930-1950
Citation:
Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Identifier:
NMAH.AC.0803
See more items in:
Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Collection
Archival Repository:
Archives Center, National Museum of American History
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ep8a48e652d-6387-4a23-98c0-299772c454d5
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-nmah-ac-0803
Online Media:

Daniel Varney Thompson papers, 1848-1979, bulk 1923-1979

Creator:
Thompson, Daniel V. (Daniel Varney), 1902-1980  Search this
Subject:
Berenson, Bernard  Search this
Greene, Belle da Costa  Search this
McKean, Mary Sargeant  Search this
Winslow, Henry  Search this
Thompson, Randall  Search this
Courtauld Institute of Art  Search this
Type:
Notebooks
Diaries
Sketchbooks
Drawings
Watercolors
Photographs
Poetry
Musical scores
Prints
Oil paintings
Manuscripts
Citation:
Daniel Varney Thompson papers, 1848-1979, bulk 1923-1979. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Topic:
Food  Search this
Gardening  Search this
Engineers -- United States  Search this
Authors -- Massachusetts  Search this
Kermes (Insect)  Search this
Theme:
Sketches & Sketchbooks  Search this
Research and writing about art  Search this
Record number:
(DSI-AAA_CollID)9246
(DSI-AAA_SIRISBib)211441
AAA_collcode_thomdani
Theme:
Sketches & Sketchbooks
Research and writing about art
Data Source:
Archives of American Art
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:AAADCD_coll_211441
Online Media:

Daniel Varney Thompson papers

Creator:
Thompson, Daniel V. (Daniel Varney), 1902-1980  Search this
Names:
Courtauld Institute of Art -- Faculty  Search this
Berenson, Bernard, 1865-1959  Search this
Greene, Belle da Costa, 1883-1950  Search this
McKean, Mary Sargeant  Search this
Thompson, Randall, 1899-1984  Search this
Winslow, Henry, b. 1874  Search this
Extent:
10.1 Linear feet
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Notebooks
Diaries
Sketchbooks
Drawings
Watercolors
Photographs
Poetry
Musical scores
Prints
Oil paintings
Manuscripts
Date:
1848-1979
bulk 1923-1979
Summary:
The papers of art conservator and historian, engineer, and professor Daniel Varney Thompson (1902-1980) are dated 1848-1979, with the bulk of the material dated 1923-1979. The collection measures 10.1 linear feet and consists of biographical material, correspondence, subject files, writings, artwork, printed material, and photographs.
Scope and Content Note:
The papers of art conservator and historian, professor, engineer, and writer Daniel Varney Thompson (1902-1980) are dated 1848-1979, with the bulk of the material dated 1923-1979. The collection measures 10.1 linear feet and consists of biographical material, correspondence, subject files, writings, artwork, printed material, and photographs.

Biographical information includes certificates and diplomas, passports, and wills. Correspondence documents Daniel Varney Thompson's personal and professional life. Personal correspondence centers heavily on family members including his brother, the composer Randall Thompson. Professional correspondence concerns Thompson's academic career, research, writing, and work as a technical consultant and engineer. Among the correspondents are colleagues from Harvard, Yale, the Courtauld Institute, publishers, and academic and technical journals, in addition to corporate clients.

Subject files are comprised of varying correspondence, printed matter, photographs, notes and writings relating to Thompson's areas of interest. Personal and professional subject files include many relating to his research interests and engineering consulting projects. Of particular interest are numerous letters from Bernard Berenson. There is also correspondence with Belle da Costa Greene, as well as files concerning the Kermes beetle (a source of crimson dyes in the middle ages). Food and gardening subject files reflect Thompson's career as a writer and columnist on these subjects.

Writings consist mainly of manuscripts, drafts, research and miscellaneous notes; also included are diaries, poems, miscellaneous items, and a music score. Daniel Varney Thompson's personal and professional writings include two diaries, poems, and student writings. Most of his extant writings are on art-related topics, science and technology. Among the notes is an index to medieval manuscripts on craftsmanship in major European libraries was compiled by Thompson in 1935. His work on the subject remains unpublished and his notes are extremely valuable since some of the materials noted were lost in World War II. Scientific and technical notebooks, along with various wirings and reports, document projects undertaken as a technical consultant and engineer. The food and gardening writings are extensive and consist of manuscripts and notes for articles and columns, and for a book-length compilation of these writings. Among the writings by other authors are diaries of his mother and wife, and a music score by his brother, Randall Thompson.

Artwork by Daniel Varney Thompson, Mary Sargent McKean, and Henry Winslow consists of drawings, prints, watercolors, a sketchbook, and an oil painting. Printed material includes articles and book reviews by Daniel Varney Thompson, and items about or mentioning him and his family. Also found are articles and books about art, history, medieval studies, science and technology, and food and gardening topics.

Photographs are of artwork, people, places and miscellaneous subjects. Images of people are mainly Thompson and family members.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged as 7 series.

Missing Title

Series 1: Biographical Information, 1848-1970s (Box 1, OV 11-12; 0.3 linear ft.)

Series 2: Correspondence, 1914-1979 (Boxes 1-3; 2.0 linear ft.)

Series 3: Subject Files, 1925-1979 (Boxes 3-6; 3.0 linear ft.)

Series 4: Writings, 1907-1970s (Boxes 6-9; 2.85 linear ft.)

Series 5: Artwork, 1923-1934 (Box 9, OV 13; 5 folders)

Series 6: Printed Material, 1917-1979 (Box 9; 0.75 linear ft.)

Series 7: Photographs, circa 1900-1972 (Box 10; 0.4 linear ft.)
Biographical Note:
Daniel Varney Thompson (1902-1980) was an art conservator and historian, professor, engineer, and writer. A noted authority on medieval painting, Varney lived and worked primarily in the Boston area and London.

Daniel Varney Thompson was born in New Jersey in 1902. He was the son of Grace Randall Thompson and Daniel Varney Thompson, Sr., a classics teacher at the Lawrenceville School and later headmaster of Boston Latin School. American composer Randall Thompson was his older brother. Following family tradition, Thompson attended Harvard, earning the A.B. in 1922 and A.M. in 1926, focusing his attention on fine arts, physical chemistry, and literature. Daniel V. Thompson stopped using the designation Jr. after his father's death in 1932.

Between 1922 and 1925 Thompson was employed in the Fogg Museum's laboratory devoted to analyzing art materials for the purposes of detecting forgeries, preserving works of art, and devising methods to aid working artists. During this period, Thompson went to Italy as a Sheldon Fellow in Fine Arts, to learn medieval fresco painting techniques from Edward W. Forbes, Director of the Fogg Museum. He also had an opportunity to study medieval and Renaissance painting techniques with Inicio Federico Joni, and while in Italy began life-long friendships with the Forbes family and Bernard Berenson. Thompson served as a technical advisor to the 1924-1925 Second Harvard China Expedition; he traveled to China by way of India, where he studied wall paintings in caves at Ajanta and Elura and researched newly discovered scrolls.

Daniel Varney Thompson was on the faculty of Yale from 1926-1933, where he taught art history, and tempera painting courses, and laid the foundation for the Department of Fine Arts when Yale became a university in 1932. During his time at Yale, Thompson married Cecile [Cecily] de Luze Simonds.

When The American Council of Learned Societies awarded Thompson a research fellowship for the academic year 1933/34, he returned to Europe and surveyed major libraries for materials concerning the history of technology of the arts. Thompson was then invited to be Professor of the History of Technology at the University of London. He was on the faculty from 1934-1946, and also served as research and technical advisor, developing a laboratory at the Courtauld Institute for analysis of art materials.

During World War II, the Courtauld's laboratory - which had facilities for emission, absorption, and x-ray spectrography - was offered to the Ministry of Aircraft Production. To avoid compromising the University's tax-free status, Thompson formed and served as managing director of Daniel Varney Limited, a private company which leased the premises and equipment. From 1940 to 1945, the company was operated in the name of the Courtauld Institute, employing 200 people in tool making, gauge making, fine mechanisms, and development and production of optics instruments. After the war, Daniel Varney Limited shifted its interests to high vacuum diffusion pumps, gas manipulation, and glassblowing.

Upon returning to the United States in 1947, Thompson settled in the Boston area, becoming a technical consultant. He worked on projects for E-Z Mills, Inc., Sylvania Eloctronics, Comstock & Wescott, Inc., and other corporations. He was chief engineer of Jarrell-Ash Co., 1953-1955, redesigning optical instruments, spectrography, and schlieren systems. Between 1955 and 1957, Thompson served as Vice President of Swett & Sibley, involved with the design and development of optical instruments, scanning spectrometers, and densistometers. He then moved to Avco Corporation, where for the next decade he was a Senior Staff Consultant working on optical design in rocket instrumentation. Thompson retired from his engineering career in 1967.

Daniel V. Thompson wrote and published extensively. Art-related writings include translations and a monograph published by Yale University Press, and numerous articles and reviews. Translations are: Cennino Cennini's Il Libro dell'Arte (3 volumes: Text of Il Libro dell'Arte, 1932; The Craftsman's Handbook, 1933; and The Practice of Tempera Painting, 1936), and An Anonymous Fourteenth Century Treatise ( De arte illuminadi) (with his student George Heard Hamilton), 1936. A monograph, The Materials and Techniques of Medieval Painting (foreword by Bernard Berenson) appeared in 1936.

Most of Thompson's scientific and technical writings are unpublished and relate to projects for which he served as a consulting engineer.

Soon after retiring, Thompson began a new career that he continued for the remainder of his life. A serious cook and long-time gardener, he began writing about these topics, producing weekly columns that were published by newspapers from Maine to Chicago and contributing articles to Gourmet, Horticulture, and similar periodicals. Thompson also lectured to garden clubs and judged garden and flower competitions.

Daniel Varney Thompson died on January 4, 1980, following an automobile accident in Malaga, Spain.
Related Material:
Also found in the Archives of American Art are oral history interviews conducted with Daniel V. Thompson by Robert Brown, September 25, 1974-November 2, 1976. There are also three letters from Thompson to his sister-in-law Edith Simonds Moore.
Provenance:
The Daniel Varney Thompson papers were donated to the Archives of American Art in increments between 1974-1981 by Mr. Thompson and his estate.
Restrictions:
Use of original papers requires an appointment.
Rights:
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Occupation:
Conservators  Search this
Art historians  Search this
Topic:
Food  Search this
Gardening  Search this
Engineers -- United States  Search this
Authors -- Massachusetts  Search this
Kermes (Insect)  Search this
Genre/Form:
Notebooks
Diaries
Sketchbooks
Drawings
Watercolors
Photographs
Poetry
Musical scores
Prints
Oil paintings
Manuscripts
Citation:
Daniel Varney Thompson papers, 1848-1979, bulk 1923-1979. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Identifier:
AAA.thomdani
See more items in:
Daniel Varney Thompson papers
Archival Repository:
Archives of American Art
GUID:
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/mw9528dc18c-6119-4c37-946d-004d2c9fea4c
EDAN-URL:
ead_collection:sova-aaa-thomdani
Online Media:

[Trade catalogs from Edmund Scientific Co.]

Variant company name:
Founded 1942  Search this
Company Name:
Edmund Scientific Co.  Search this
Related companies:
ES ; Edmund Industrial Optics ; Robert Edmund's Products for Health, Fitness & Better Living  Search this
Notes content:
(selection) Magnifiers ; microscopes ; weather instruments ; magnets ; optical instruments ; lasers ; fiber optics ; binoculars ; telescopes. Assorted "scientific" products (watches, telescopes, binoculars, calipers, scales, ladders, flashlights, surveillance equipment) ; personal fitness equipment (monitors, stationary bikes, clock radios, watches, weights, massage wands). Motors ; laboratory equipment ; scales ; meters ; thermometers ; spectrometers ; educational products for science. 1995 annual reference catalog for optics, science, and education; 1995 Annual Reference Catalog for Optics, Science, and Education optics, lenses, fiber optics, binoculars, lab equipment, microscopes, magnets, telescopes, weather instruments
Includes:
Trade catalog and price lists
Black and white images
Color images
Physical description:
97 pieces; 4 boxes
Language:
English
Type of material:
Trade catalogs
Trade literature
Place:
Barrington, New Jersey, United States
Date:
1900s
Topic (Romaine term):
Department store; dry goods and mail order catalogs  Search this
Educational institutions; equipment and supplies (includes playground equipment)  Search this
Engines and motors: steam; oil; gas; etc.  Search this
Laboratories and laboratory supplies and equipment  Search this
Scientific and optical instruments  Search this
Sporting goods  Search this
Topic:
"Laboratories -- Furniture, equipment, etc."  Search this
"Schools -- Furniture, equipment, etc."  Search this
Commercial catalogs  Search this
Department stores  Search this
Dry-goods  Search this
Engines  Search this
Motors  Search this
Optical instruments  Search this
Playgrounds  Search this
Scientific apparatus and instruments  Search this
Sporting goods  Search this
Record ID:
SILNMAHTL_14407
Location:
Trade Literature at the American History Museum Library
Collection:
Smithsonian Libraries Trade Literature Collections
Data source:
Smithsonian Libraries
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:SILNMAHTL_14407

[Trade catalogs from Keystone View Co.]

Company Name:
Keystone View Co.  Search this
Notes content:
Stereographs : travel tours, geographical, historical (United States and Canada), industrial series, childhood series, Bible series, famous persons, special events, hunting sets, sentimental and comic, hand painted views, miscellaneous sets and collections. Daylight lanterns (slide projectors) ; slides for schools ; stereo ophthalmic equipment ; overhead projectors ; "Periometer" for measuring lateral fields (side or tunnel vision) ; "telebinocular" ; stereoscophthalmic...this comprises the uncataloged portion.
Includes:
Trade catalog, price lists and manual
Black and white images
Physical description:
13 pieces; 1 box
Language:
English
Type of material:
Trade catalogs
Trade literature
Place:
Meadville, Pennsylvania, United States
Date:
1900s
Topic (Romaine term):
Educational institutions; equipment and supplies (includes playground equipment)  Search this
Medical and surgical instruments and supplies  Search this
Photographic equipment and supplies  Search this
Scientific and optical instruments  Search this
Topic:
"Schools -- Furniture, equipment, etc."  Search this
Cameras  Search this
Medical instruments and apparatus industry  Search this
Optical instruments  Search this
Photographic industry  Search this
Playgrounds  Search this
Scientific apparatus and instruments  Search this
Surgical instruments and apparatus industry  Search this
Record ID:
SILNMAHTL_23660
Location:
Trade Literature at the American History Museum Library
Collection:
Smithsonian Libraries Trade Literature Collections
Data source:
Smithsonian Libraries
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:SILNMAHTL_23660

[Trade catalogs from A. H. Andrews & Co.]

Variant company name:
New York, NY ; Boston, MA ; Chicago, IL  Search this
Company Name:
A. H. Andrews & Co.  Search this
Related companies:
Baker, Pratt & Co. ; Keystone School & Church Furniture Co. ; Buffalo School Furniture Co. ; J. K. Snavely (Harrisburg, PA)  Search this
Notes content:
Chairs (opera, folding, school), seats, settees, school furniture and supplies (desks, tables, bookcases, cabinets, letter files, school maps and charts, globes, blackboards, blackboard erasers, water coolers, drinking fountains, window guards, school bells, inkwells, scissors, duplicating equipment, pencil sharpeners, inks, playground apparatus). Andrews' Lunar Tellurian ; Alpha Dustless Crayon ; Andrews Dustless Eraser ; Potter Blackboard ; "New Paragon" School Desk...this comprises the uncataloged portion.
Includes:
Trade catalog and price lists
Black and white images
Physical description:
1 piece; 1 box
Language:
English
Type of material:
Trade catalogs
Trade literature
Place:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Date:
1800s
Topic (Romaine term):
Educational institutions; equipment and supplies (includes playground equipment)  Search this
Furniture and furnishings  Search this
Scientific and optical instruments  Search this
Topic:
"Schools -- Furniture, equipment, etc."  Search this
Furniture industry and trade  Search this
House furnishings  Search this
Interior decoration  Search this
Optical instruments  Search this
Playgrounds  Search this
Scientific apparatus and instruments  Search this
Record ID:
SILNMAHTL_45563
Collection:
Smithsonian Libraries Trade Literature Collections
Data source:
Smithsonian Libraries
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:SILNMAHTL_45563

Saccharimeter

Maker:
J. & J. Fric  Search this
Measurements:
overall: 43.3 cm x 20.5 cm x 61 cm; 17 1/16 in x 8 1/16 in x 24 in
overall: 17 in x 8 in x 24 in; 43.18 cm x 20.32 cm x 60.96 cm
Object Name:
polariscope
Place made:
Czech Republic: Praha, Hlavní Město, Prague
Subject:
Optics  Search this
Sugar  Search this
National Bureau of Standards  Search this
Credit Line:
U.S. Customs Service
ID Number:
1999.0029.01
Catalog number:
1999.0029.01
Accession number:
1999.0029
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences
Saccharimeters
Measuring & Mapping
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746aa-4849-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_1184567
Online Media:

[Trade catalogs from Raychem Co.]

Variant company name:
Oak Ridge, TN ; Redwood City, CA  Search this
Company Name:
Raychem Co.  Search this
Related companies:
Rayclad Tubes Inc. ; Elographics, Inc. ; Raychem Corp.  Search this
Notes content:
wire and cable ; "Thermofit" heat-shrinkable products ; plastic and elastomeric compounds ; high-temperature dual-wall wire insulation systems ; (1967) ; "Frostex" II Heating Cable for pipe freeze protection
Includes:
Trade catalog
Black and white images
Color images
Physical description:
26 pieces; 2 boxes
Language:
English
Type of material:
Trade catalogs
Trade literature
Place:
Menlo Park, California, United States
Date:
1900s
Topic (Romaine term):
Aviation (aircraft; balloons; etc.)  Search this
Electrical apparatus and equipment  Search this
Industrial equipment or mechanical machinery (including supplies and components)  Search this
Plastics and rubber  Search this
Plumbing supplies and fixtures  Search this
Scientific and optical instruments  Search this
Topic:
Aeronautics  Search this
Airplanes  Search this
Airships  Search this
Balloons  Search this
Electric apparatus and appliances  Search this
Industrial equipment  Search this
Machinery  Search this
Optical instruments  Search this
Plastics industry and trade  Search this
Plumbing equipment industry  Search this
Plumbing fixtures  Search this
Rubber industry and trade  Search this
Scientific apparatus and instruments  Search this
Record ID:
SILNMAHTL_9409
Location:
Trade Literature at the American History Museum Library
Collection:
Smithsonian Libraries Trade Literature Collections
Data source:
Smithsonian Libraries
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:SILNMAHTL_9409

Reflecting Polariscope

Maker:
Queen and Company  Search this
Measurements:
overall: 27.5 cm x 44 cm x 11.8 cm; 10 13/16 in x 17 5/16 in x 4 5/8 in
overall: 10 3/4 in x 4 5/8 in x 17 5/16 in; 27.305 cm x 11.7475 cm x 43.97375 cm
Object Name:
polariscope
Polariscope
Place made:
United States: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Date made:
around 1900
Subject:
Science & Scientific Instruments  Search this
Credit Line:
University of Missouri at Rolla
ID Number:
1996.0263.02
Accession number:
1996.0263
Catalog number:
1996.0263.02
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-0321-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_1184533
Online Media:

Distillation flask

Maker:
Jena Glasswork, Schott & Associates  Search this
Physical Description:
glass (overall material)
cork (overall material)
Measurements:
overall: 30.4 cm x 26 cm x 12.8 cm; 11 15/16 in x 10 1/4 in x 5 1/16 in
overall: 11 3/4 in x 11 1/2 in x 5 in; 29.845 cm x 29.21 cm x 12.7 cm
Object Name:
Distillation Flask
Date made:
after 1884
Subject:
Science & Scientific Instruments  Search this
Credit Line:
Gift of University of Pennsylvania Chemistry Lab
ID Number:
CH.315835.043
Catalog number:
315835.043
Accession number:
217523
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Chemistry
Science Under Glass
Science & Mathematics
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a0-e7e4-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_1855
Online Media:

Saybolt Colorimeter

Maker:
C.J. Tagliabue Manufacturing Company  Search this
Measurements:
overall: 26 1/2 in; 67.31 cm
base: 5 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in; 13.97 cm x 13.97 cm
overall: 26 5/8 in x 5 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in; 67.6275 cm x 13.97 cm x 13.97 cm
Object Name:
colorimeter
Place made:
United States: New York, Brooklyn
Subject:
Color  Search this
Petroleum  Search this
Optics  Search this
Credit Line:
Stevens Institute of Technology
ID Number:
CH.316871
Catalog number:
316871
Accession number:
222983
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Chemistry
Saccharimeters
Measuring & Mapping
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a0-e091-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_2228
Online Media:

Duboscq Colorimeter

Maker:
Bausch & Lomb Optical Company  Search this
Physical Description:
brass (overall material)
steel (overall material)
Measurements:
overall: 40.7 cm x 16 cm x 14 cm; 16 1/32 in x 6 5/16 in x 5 1/2 in
case: 38 cm x 18.5 cm x 17.5 cm; 14 15/16 in x 7 5/16 in x 6 7/8 in
overall in case: 14 7/8 in x 7 9/16 in x 6 7/8 in; 37.7825 cm x 19.20875 cm x 17.4625 cm
Object Name:
Colorimeter
Place made:
United States: New York, Rochester
Subject:
Color  Search this
Optics  Search this
Chemistry  Search this
National Bureau of Standards  Search this
Credit Line:
National Bureau of Standards
ID Number:
CH.326630
Catalog number:
326630
Accession number:
261654
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Chemistry
Saccharimeters
Measuring & Mapping
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a0-e549-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_2502
Online Media:

Stammer Colorimeter

Maker:
Franz Schmidt & Haensch  Search this
Physical Description:
wood (overall material)
iron (overall material)
nickel silver (overall material)
Measurements:
case: 56.5 cm x 16.2 cm x 14 cm; 22 1/4 in x 6 3/8 in x 5 1/2 in
cylinder: 305 mm x 32 mm; 12 in x 1 1/4 in
instrument: 52 cm x 13.3 cm; 20 1/2 in x 5 1/4 in
overall in case: 22 3/8 in x 5 1/2 in x 6 3/8 in; 56.8325 cm x 13.97 cm x 16.1925 cm
overall: case fragment: 3/16 in x 5 1/16 in x 2 13/16 in; .47625 cm x 12.85875 cm x 7.14375 cm
Object Name:
Colorimeter
Place made:
Germany: Berlin, Berlin
Subject:
Optics  Search this
Color  Search this
Sugar  Search this
ID Number:
CH.335519
Catalog number:
335519
Accession number:
321714
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Chemistry
Saccharimeters
Measuring & Mapping
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a0-eb63-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_2951
Online Media:

Spectrophotometer, Coleman Model 11A

Maker:
Coleman Instruments  Search this
Measurements:
overall: 7.2 cm x 33.3 cm x 30.2 cm; 2 13/16 in x 13 1/8 in x 11 7/8 in
overall: 6 3/4 in x 12 in x 12 3/8 in; 17.145 cm x 30.48 cm x 31.4325 cm
Object Name:
spectrophotometer
Place made:
United States: Illinois, Maywood
Date made:
1938-1950
Subject:
Science & Scientific Instruments  Search this
Credit Line:
Gift of Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University
ID Number:
CH.337146
Catalog number:
337146
Accession number:
1979.0432
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Chemistry
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a0-e4fd-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_2995
Online Media:

Microscope

Maker:
Queen, James W.  Search this
Physical Description:
brass (overall material)
Measurements:
overall: 19.1 cm x 7.6 cm x 9.5 cm; 7 1/2 in x 3 in x 3 3/4 in
Object Name:
microscope
Date made:
1870-1890
Subject:
Science & Scientific Instruments  Search this
ID Number:
1991.0795.01.1
Catalog number:
1991.0795.01.1
Accession number:
1991.0795
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Biological Sciences
Microscopes
Science & Mathematics
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a9-9f72-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_1110872

Microscope

Maker:
Bausch & Lomb  Search this
Physical Description:
steel (overall material)
glass (overall material)
Measurements:
overall: 30.4 cm x 12.7 cm x 19 cm; 11 31/32 in x 5 in x 7 15/32 in
Object Name:
microscope
Place made:
United States: New York, Rochester
Date made:
ca 1940
Subject:
Science & Scientific Instruments  Search this
Birth Control/Contraception  Search this
Women's Health  Search this
Credit Line:
Anne P. Merill
ID Number:
1991.0881.01.1
Catalog number:
1991.0881.01.1
Accession number:
1991.0881
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Biological Sciences
Microscopes
Science & Mathematics
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a9-9f6f-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_1110905
Online Media:

Hartl Optical Disc

Maker:
Central Scientific Company  Search this
Measurements:
overall: 47.3 cm x 35.7 cm x 22 cm; 18 5/8 in x 14 1/16 in x 8 11/16 in
overall: 19 in x 14 in x 10 1/2 in; 48.26 cm x 35.56 cm x 26.67 cm
Object Name:
optical disc
Place made:
United States: Illinois, Chicago
Subject:
Science & Scientific Instruments  Search this
Credit Line:
University of Missouri at Rolla
ID Number:
1996.0263.01
Accession number:
1996.0263
Catalog number:
1996.0263.01
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b2-8298-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_1184532
Online Media:

microscope

Maker:
Bausch & Lomb  Search this
Object Name:
Microscope
Other Terms:
Microscope; Still
Place made:
United States: New York, Rochester
Date made:
1916
Subject:
Science & Scientific Instruments  Search this
Credit Line:
Mrs. H. E. Ives
ID Number:
PG.7237
Accession number:
251656
Catalog number:
7237
See more items in:
Work and Industry: Photographic History
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a9-8337-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_1113613

Abbé Refractometer

Maker:
Valentine, Warren P.  Search this
Measurements:
overall: 9 3/4 in x 16 5/8 in x 7 1/2 in; 24.765 cm x 42.2275 cm x 19.05 cm
Object Name:
refractometer
Place made:
United States: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Subject:
Chemistry  Search this
National Bureau of Standards  Search this
Franklin Institute  Search this
World War I  Search this
Credit Line:
National Bureau of Standards
ID Number:
PH.326622
Catalog number:
326622
Accession number:
261654
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences
Saccharimeters
Measuring & Mapping
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b3-72d8-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_1167308
Online Media:

Abbé Refractometer

Maker:
Valentine, Warren P.  Search this
Measurements:
overall: 9 3/8 in x 18 1/4 in x 7 5/8 in; 23.8125 cm x 46.355 cm x 19.3675 cm
Object Name:
refractometer
Subject:
Chemistry  Search this
National Bureau of Standards  Search this
Franklin Institute  Search this
World War I  Search this
Credit Line:
National Bureau of Standards
ID Number:
PH.326631
Catalog number:
326631
Accession number:
261654
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences
Saccharimeters
Measuring & Mapping
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746aa-0d4d-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_1167309
Online Media:

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