Summary

Creator:

McConnell, R. A. (Robert A.)

Extent:

41.4 Linear Feet
19,514 Items

Language:

English.

Collection ID:

RL.00866

Background

Scope and Content:

Collection (1996-0122) (11,500 items; 34.5 lin. ft.; 1944-1996) contains research materials in parapsychology spanning five decades; data and records from numerous parapsychology experiments (1947-1989); correspondence files, which include nearly all important scientists in the field (1944-1996); and various printed materials, among which are several boxes of "psychic healing" literature. Some papers document in great detail professional criticism, disputes, and controversies over several decades.

The addition (1997-0084) (3000 items; 6.0 lin. ft.; 1951-1991) includes research records (many having to do with funding for projects) and correspondence. Also includes copies of many of McConnell's publications (often two copies of each).

The addition (2000-0274) (3 items; 0.2 lin. ft.; 2000) to the collection contains a copy of McConnell's book Joyride to Infinity (2000), related items, and printouts of McConnell's website: www.ramcconnell.com. (No container list was created for this addition.)

The addition (2000-0431) (8 items; 0.1 lin. ft.; 2000) contains statements and articles by McConnell summing up his beliefs and positions on the existence of experimental phenomenon, the importance of parapsychology, and arguments against scientists who claim that parapsychological phenomena do not exist. (No container list was created for this addition.)

The addition (2008-0290) (4500 items; 6 lin. ft.; 1953-1990s) consists largely of individual correspondence (organized alphabetically), committee materials, and committee correspondence.

Biographical / Historical:

Professor emeritus in Biology at University of Pittsburgh and specialist in parapsychology.

Acquisition Information:

The R. A. (Robert A.) McConnell Papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a gift, 1996-2008.

Processing information:

Processed by Paula Jeannet, Lisa Stark, and Ruth E. Bryan.

Completed November 7, 1996, August 8, 1997, June 29, 2000, and April 26, 2001.

Encoded by Ruth E. Bryan.

Updated by Meghan Lyon, December 2008.

Rules or Conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Subjects

Click on terms below to find related finding aids on this site. For other related materials in the Duke University Libraries, search for these terms in the Catalog.

Subjects:

Scientists -- Attitudes
Parapsychology -- Research
Mental healing
Psychokinesis
Psychometry (Parapsychology)
Parapsychologists -- United States -- Correspondence
Parapsychology and science
Extrasensory perception
Federation of American Scientists