http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/114438720

Edward A. Birge papers

Papers, mainly 1905-1948, of Edward A. Birge, professor of zoology, president of the University of Wisconsin, and a pioneer in the field of limnology. Birge joined the University faculty in 1875 and served as director of the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey and as dean of the College of Letters and Sciences, 1890-1918; as acting president of the university, 1900-1903; and as president, 1918-1925. The major portion of the collection consists of personal correspondence and reports written after 1905 and primarily relating to his lake studies and to his tenure as a national officer of Phi Beta Kappa honorary society. Letters dating from his years as president and acting president of the university are limited, but there are scattered items throughout concerning University administration and campus life. Some letters from President Charles Kendall Adams date from his medical leave of absence, 1901-1902. Over half the correspondence dates from Birge's retirement and concerns the establishment, with Chancey Juday, of the limnology research facility at Trout Lake. Other letters concern the Madison Free Library, the Madison Literary Club, and other civic affairs. During 1921 and 1922 Birge engaged in an extended journalistic debate with William Jennings Bryan about evolution and religion. Many letters from the public that Birge received in response to this controversy are included. Birge also exchanged letters with political figures, college administrators and scientists throughout the nation. Among them were Robert M. La Follette Sr., John C. Spooner, and Charles R. Van Hise. Also included in the collection are autobiographical reminiscences and biographical correspondence and notes about Birge compiled by historian George C. Sellery, 1950-1954; genealogical information; and draft and printed copies of speeches and speech outlines on cards. Detailed expenditure records document the financial support for research at Trout Lake by the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries and the University's special funds, 1918-1941. The photographs are from an album mainly relating to limnology research at Trout Lake and elsewhere in Wisconsin, circa 1929-circa 1939. Included are images made by Birge and university photographer Melvin Diemer of field work, laboratory buildings, research equipment, camps, and colleagues such as Chancey Juday.

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