The collection is open for research use. Viewing film portion of collection requires special appointment. See repository for details.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Reproduction permission from Archives Center: fees for commercial use.
Collection Citation:
American Petroleum Institute Photograph and Film Collection, 1860s-1990 (bulk 1955-1990), Archives Center, National Museum of American History
The collection is open for research use. Viewing film portion of collection requires special appointment. See repository for details.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Reproduction permission from Archives Center: fees for commercial use.
Collection Citation:
American Petroleum Institute Photograph and Film Collection, 1860s-1990 (bulk 1955-1990), Archives Center, National Museum of American History
Parsons-Jurden Mining & Metallurgical Div. ; Parsons Corp. ; Ralph M. Parsons Co., Ltd. (Calgary, Alberta, Canada ; Toronto, Ontario, Canada) ; Ralph M. Parsons GmbH (Frankfurt, Germany) ; Ralph M. Parsons Co. Ltd. (Brentford, Middlesex, United Kingdom) ; Ralph M. Parsons Co. Pty. Ltd. (Sydney, Australia ; Perth, Australia) ; Latinoamericana de Ingenieria, S.A. (Mexico City, Mexico) ; Saudi Arabian Parsons Ltd. (Jeddah, Saudia Arabia) ; RMP Search this
Notes content:
Undated (circa 1965-1972) catalog giving an overview view of the company "The Ralph M. Parsons Company: Worldwide Engineers-Constructors." Brochure entitled Coal-Coal-Coal from the Parson-Jurden Mining and Metallurgical Division. Undated (circa 1965-1970) public relations publication "News & Views" number 11 is about water shortages, water shed management, water reclamation, pollution control - and the need for a water pipeline from Alaska and Canada to the lower 48 United States and the more populated areas of Canada. Undated (circa 1970-1974) brochure featuring Parsons' Mining & Metallurgical divisions' current projects ; technical & economic studies ; geology & mining engineering ; metallurgical processing & metals production and power generation, materials handling and transportation, environmental protection and operations support ancillaries. Undated (circa 1968-1975) catalog for Parsons Sulfur Recovery Plants & Tail Gas purification units. A paper entitled "Economic and Environmental Impact of Long Distance Slurry Pipelines", delivered 15-17 May 1974 at the 3rd International Conference on the Hydraulic Transport of Solids in Pipes by R. Costantini of Parsons. Undated (early 1970s?) paper on Coal Liquefaction delivered by J.B. O'Hara of Parsons as part of the 3rd International Symposium on Large Chemical Plants New Technologies and Varying Feedstocks (the 174th event of the European Federation of Chemical Engineering.) A paper on the Potential for Petrochemical Feedstockes and Chemicals from Coal presented August 31, 1976 by J.B. O'Hara, E.D. Becker, N.E. Jentz and T. Harding of Parsons at the American Inst. of Chemical Engineers 82nd national meeting. A circa 1968 booklet entitled "NAWAPA: North American Water and Power Alliance". NAWAPA is a concept developed by Parsons for collecting excess water from the Northwestern parts of North America and redistributing it to the water deficient areas of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. The booklet also contains copies of clippings of newspaper and magazine articles about RMPCo. Tucked inside of the booklet is an annotated speech script called "Commentary on NAWAPA Film". Also folded inside of the booklet are a pair of reprints from Congressional Record: from the 90th Congress - a March 21, 1967 speech by Rep. Joseph M. Montoya of New Mexico about future water problems ; and from the 89th Congress, a September 12, 1966 speech about water by Rep. John A. Blatnick of Minnesota.
Includes:
Trade catalog and histories
Black and white images
Color images
Physical description:
12 pieces; 1 box
Language:
English
Type of material:
Trade catalogs
Trade literature
Place:
Pasadena, California, United States
Date:
1900s
Topic (Romaine term):
Architectural designs and building materials Search this
Business services (advertising; marketing; organizational management; etc.) Search this
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Physical Sciences Search this
Extent:
2 Cubic feet (5 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Catalogs
Photographs
Certificates
Notebooks
Correspondence
Date:
1861-1885
Summary:
Wurtz's scheme, presented in a report to the stockholders, was a new method for the dry distillation of non-caking coal to obtain liquid oils and paraffin. Included in this box are: the report to the stockholders of the Union Chemical Manufacturing Co., 1883; patent specifications, 1881; correspondence with the Patent Office, prospectus on coal distillation, 1885; a notebook of minutes from meetings of Union Chemical Manufacturing Co., 1881-1883.
Scope and Contents:
These papers include items concerning the Union Chemical Manufacturing Company, 1883-1885, on dry destructive distillation of coal to make liquid oils and paraffins, including: patent specifications, 1881; report to the stockholders of the Company, 1883; correspondence with the Patent Office; correspondence regarding the Company, 1883-1884; prospectus on coal distillation, 1885; and a notebook of minutes from meetings of the Company, 1881-1883.
Also included is material relating to Wurtz's interest in petroleum distillation, 1884-1885, consisting of newsclippings, contracts, proofs and gallerys of prospectus, and correspondence with perspective investors. Also, correspondence with A.R. Leeds and F.W. Clarke and other chemists regarding Wurtz's desire to find a new assistant; "The Book of Inventions, made by Henry Wurtz from about 1850, Compilation and Arrangement, from Scattered Notes, Commenced in September 1861, by H.W."; a copy of a letter to Joseph Henry from Wurtz relating to warlike inventions, November 9, 1861; photographs of Wurtz family; certificate of membership in the Whig Society at the College of New Jersey (later, Princeton), 1848; and scientific instruments catalogues, 1882-1884.
Arrangement:
Divided into six series: (1) Union Chemical Manufacturing Company, 1883-1885; (2) Petroleum Distillation and Miscellaneous Chemical Consulting, 1884-1885; (3) Book of Inventions, 1861; (4) Wurtz Biographical Material and Family Photographs; (5) Publications; (6) Whig Society Certificate, 1848.
Biographical / Historical:
Henry Wurtz (c. 1828-1910), chemist and editor, contributed to both the theory and practice of chemistry. He studied at the College of New Jersey (later Princeton), where his interest in scientific pursuits was awakened by studies under Joseph Henry and John Torrey. Between 1854 and 1856 he was state chemist and geologist of the New Jersey Geological Survey. In 1858 he was appointed professor of chemistry and pharmacy at the National Medical College of Washington, D.C. (later George Washington University). During this connection he served as chemical examiner in the United States Patent Office. In 1861 in New York he opened a private laboratory for general consulting work. During the years 1877-1887 he was engaged in developing processes for increasing the yields of paraffin oils and other by products of the distillation of coal. He devoted the remaining years of his life to his private consulting practice and took out numerous patents relating to the distillation of paraffin hydrocarbons and other chemical products.
Opened a private laboratory in New York for general consulting work, 1861. During 1877-1887 developed processes for increasing yields of paraffin oils and other by-products of coal distillation. Devoted remaining years of his life to private consulting practice and received numerous patents relating to the distillation of paraffin hydrocarbons and other chemical products.
Separated Materials:
2 glass plate negatives removed from collection and held in OIPP library with negative numbers 83-1890 & 83-1891.
Provenance:
Gift of Richard Wurtz (Litchfield, Connecticut).
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.
Topic:
Inventions -- United States -- History -- 19th century Search this
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.
This box contains material relating to Wurtz's interest in petroleum distillation, 1884-1885, and his attempt to market inventions for obtaining lubricants from petroleum distillates. Related material includes: correspondence with prospective investors, proofs and galleys for the prospectus, news clippings on petroleum, and various contracts.
The box also includes correspondence with A.R. Leeds, F.W. Clark and others regarding Wurtz's search for a new assistant, 1881, catalogs for scientific books and instruments, 1880's, and Wurtz's business card.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection 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.
Production of aviation jet fuel from coal : staff report / prepared [by George T. Skaperdas] for the use of the Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences, United States Senate, June 1, 1976
