Correspondence Series, 1856-1932 and undated, bulk 1870-1920
- Extent:
- 3 boxes
- Scope and content:
-
Correspondence, arranged chronologically, between Bastian and various notable scientists, scholars and doctors, such as Sir John Bretland Farmer, Thomas Huxley and his wife Annie, Louis Pasteur, William Paton Ker, Caleb Saleeby, Hector Grasset, William Pennington Cocks, and assistants Albert and Alexandre Mary. There is also a group of exchanges between Bastian and the Académie des Sciences of France. The majority of the correspondence is written to Bastian, but there are some drafts penned by Bastian. The correspondence frequently concerns Bastian's controversial work on abiogenesis. Also includes exchanges between Bastian and publishing companies, concerning translations of his numerous works; a series of letters appears from well-known publisher Félix Alcan from Metz. Bastian's wife, Julia, and daughter, Sybil also figure as recipients and writers of correspondence, with many condolence letters received after Bastian's death. Undated letters are placed at the end of the series and arranged alphabetically. Of interest among these is a manuscript document written after Bastian's death by his assistants, Albert and Alexandre verifying Bastian's experiments on the origin of life.
Contents
Using These Materials
- Using These Materials Links:
-
Using These Materials
- Collection restrictions:
-
Collection is open for research.
- Use & permissions:
-
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
- Before you visit:
- Please consult our up-to-date information for visitors page, as our services and guidelines periodically change.