Record Unit 7080 - Frank Wigglesworth Clarke Papers, 1873-1921

Finding Aids to Personal Papers and
Special Collections in the Smithsonian Institution Archives

Record Unit 7080
Frank Wigglesworth Clarke Papers,
1873-1921

By Gerald J. Rosenzweig

Introduction

Historical Note

Descriptive Entry

Series Descriptions

Series 1. Correspondence, 1873-1921. Arranged Alphabetically.

Series 2. Atomic Weights and Tables.

Series 3. Memorabilia.

Series 4. Photograph.

Series 5. The Constants of Nature.

INTRODUCTION

This finding aid was digitized with funds generously provided by the Smithsonian Institution Women's Committee.

HISTORICAL NOTE

Frank Wigglesworth Clarke (1847-1931) was a geological chemist. Clarke taught chemistry and physics at Howard University in Washington, D.C., 1873-1874, and at the University of Cincinnati, 1874-1883. While teaching at Howard University and the University of Cincinnati, Clarke collaborated with the Smithsonian Institution on atomic weight research. In 1883, Clarke joined the United States Geological Survey and served as Chief Chemist until 1925. Clarke was also Honorary Curator in the Division of Mineralogy and Petrology, Department of Geology, United States National Museum, 1883-1931, where he organized the Museum's mineral and gem collection.

Smithsonian Geologists, 1886.

Smithsonian Geologists and Paleontologists outside
the Arts and Industries Building, 1886.
Included in the photograph are: (top, l to r) Frank
Wigglesworth Clark, William F. Hillebrand, T. M. Chatard,
William Hallock; (bottom, I to r) James Edward Whitfield,
Frank Austin Gooch, Carl Barus, and R. U. Riggs.

DESCRIPTIVE ENTRY

These papers consist chiefly of incoming correspondence from Joseph Henry, Spencer F. Baird, Samuel P. Langley, and other scientists concerning Clarke's Smithsonian publications; his appointment as Honorary Curator of Mineralogy and Petrology; the determination of atomic weights; publication of scientific findings on atomic weights; and the International Committee on Atomic Weights. Also included are computations and tables on the atomic weight of elements and compounds; a budget proposal for the United States Geological Survey; memorabilia; a photograph of Clarke; and an annotated copy of Clarke's "The Constants of Nature, Part I: A Table of Specific Gravity for Solids and Liquids," Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, Number 659, 1888.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

SERIES 1.
Correspondence, 1873-1921. Arranged Alphabetically.

Box 1 of 2

Folder 1 A

Folder 2 B

Folder 3 C - G

Folder 4 H

Folder 5 International Committee on Atomic Weights

Folder 6 L

Folder 7 M

Folder 8 N

Folder 9 O

Folder 10 P - R

Folder 11 S

Folder 12 T

Folder 13 U - W

SERIES 2.
Atomic Weights and Tables.

Box 1 of 2

Folders 14-18 Atomic Weights and Tables

SERIES 3.
Memorabilia.

Box 1 of 2

Folder 19 Ceremonial Dinner, 1903

Folder 20 Honorary Degree Ceremony, 1906

SERIES 4.
Photograph.

Box 1 of 2

Folder 21 Photograph of Frank Wigglesworth Clarke

SERIES 5.
The Constants of Nature.

Box 2 of 2

Folder 1 Annotated copy of Clarke's "The Constants of Nature, Part I: A Table of Specific Gravity for Solids and Liquids," Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, No. 659, 1888.

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Revised: February 27, 2004