Knut Schmidt-Nielsen papers, 1939-1994 and undated

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Summary

Creator:
Schmidt-Nielsen, Knut, 1915-
Abstract:
Biologist whose main area of research was in animal physiology, particularly that of the camel. Schmidt-Nielsen spent the bulk of his career at Duke University, from 1952 to 1995, during which he published approximately 300 articles, and key works such as Animal Physiology, and Scaling: Why Is Animal Size So Important? Collection contains correspondence, research notes, field data, published materials, lecture notes, memos, reports, grant applications, and other materials. The papers span the years 1939-1994, documenting Schmidt-Nielsen's active research and teaching careers.
Extent:
18 Linear Feet
13,500 Items
Language:
Material in English, Norwegian, and German
Collection ID:
RL.01148

Background

Scope and content:

The Knut Schmidt-Nielsen Papers span the years 1939-1994, documenting the life and work of this prominent animal physiologist and educator. Formats include correspondence, research notes, field data, published material, lectures, memos, reports, grant applications, and other materials. Schmidt-Nielsen spent most of his career at Duke University where he served on faculty from 1952 to 1995, studying comparative animal physiology and environmental conditions in the desert, particularly in the Sahara and North Africa, with a particular interest in the camel. In addition, Schmidt-Nielsen was active as a lecturer and as a member of various biological organizations, including the International Union of Physiological Sciences and the Interunion Commission on Comparative Physiology, as well as being heavily involved with the publication of News in Physiological Sciences. Also documented is Schmidt-Nielsen's active role as teacher and advisor, and his involvement in the Duke University Nixon Library Committee. The collection is divided into the following series: Animal Physiology Research, Correspondence, Engagements, Graduate Student, International Union of Physiological Sciences, News in Physiological Sciences, Publications, and Subject Files.

The Animal Physiology Research Notes Series contains materials from Schmidt-Nielsen's research trip to the Sahara in 1953 and 1954, including correspondence, data, and journal entries. The Correspondence Series is by far the largest in the collection, and contains both official professional correspondence as well as scientific discussions and other related material. Much of the early correspondence is in Norwegian. The Engagements Series documents lectures given by Schmidt-Nielsen from throughout his career, including lecture notes, slides, and diagrams. Schmidt-Nielsen's teaching work is documented in the Graduate Student Series, chiefly his interactions with graduate student advisees. The International Union of Physiological Sciences Series houses materials from Schmidt-Nielsen's involvement with this organization, of which he was president from 1980 to 1986. The series includes minutes, memos, reports, correspondence, and other related materials. The News in Physiological Sciences Series consists of material related to the publication of this journal. In the Publications Series, there are copies of nearly every article Schmidt-Nielsen published. The Subject Files Series contains miscellaneous material grouped by subject regarding organizations, grant applications, and topics in animal research. Another small series, the Translations Series houses 33 published translations of a selection of Schmidt-Nielsen's textbooks. Finally, the Audiovisual Series houses three sound recordings of conference talks given by Schmidt-Nielsen during the 1960s. Original recordings are closed to use; please contact Research Services staff concerning access.

Unprocessed addition (2006-0026) (11,468 items, 18 lin. ft.; dated 1902-2003) comprises personal and professional correspondence, subject and genealogy files, lecture notes, calendars, clippings, and photographs. The addition is not represented in the finding aid, but a preliminary inventory is available on request. For research access, please contact the Research Services staff.

Biographical / historical:
Chronology List
Date Event
1915 Sept. 15
Born in Trondheim, Norway
1933-1937
Attended University of Oslo
1946
Received D.Phil. from University of Copenhagen
1949-1952
Assistant professor at University of Cincinnati
1952
Became a United States citizen
1952-1995
Professor at Duke University
1953
Awarded Guggenheim fellowship
1970
Published Animal Physiology
1984
Published Scaling: Why Is Animal Size So Important?
2007 Jan. 25
Died in Durham, North Carolina
Acquisition information:
The Knut Schmidt-Nielsen Papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a gift in 1994, 2001, and 2006.
Processing information:

Processed by Lauren Hunt and Ioanna Zlateva, July 2007

Encoded by Paula Jeannet, Dan Ruccia, and Ioanna Zlateva, July 2007

Accessions 1994-015, 1994-087, 1996-0026, and 2001-0075 were merged into one collection, described in this finding aid. Addition 2006-0026 is unprocessed but available for research. Please contact the Research Services staff before coming to use this collection.

Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection.

Original audiovisual materials are closed to patron use. Technical Services staff need to produce use copies before contents can be accessed.

All or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. There may be a 48-hour delay in obtaining these materials.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.

Terms of access:

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.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Knut Schmidt-Nielsen Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University