William Scott papers on Michael Polanyi

Collection

Identifier: 99-26

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This is the fourth accession of the papers of William T. Scott and Ann H. Scott; this addition consists only of papers of William; his father Carl F. Scott; and his uncle, Roderick Scott. There are no materials by or about Ann H. Scott.

Biographical sketches of William, Carl, and Roderick Scott are available in the collection guide for manuscript collection 95-92, The Papers of Ann and William Scott. Since those guides were written, William Scott died on February 22, 1999.

Additional papers of the Scotts are available in the Special Collections Department, collections 95-92, 97-15, and 97-27. Each has an extensive guide. The collection for which this document serves as a guide, 99-26, principally contains Bill's writings on Michael Polanyi, scientist and philosopher. Although there is a lengthy Polanyi biography in this collection, Scott's final draft of the Polanyi biography will not be added to this collection until after it is published.

Also included in this collection (which dates from 1903-1995), are grant reports on progress of the Polanyi biography; essays on aspects of Polanyi's life and work; professional correspondence; list of books in Bill's office at the time of his death; files related to Bill's work in the Friends peace movement; taped lectures of Scott and Samuel Abraham Goudsmit; correspondence from Bill's father, Carl F. Scott; and an article by Bill's uncle, Roderick Scott.

Note: William T. Scott is referred to as WTS in this guide.

Dates

1903-1995
Majority of material found within 1979-1991

Creator

Scott, William T. (William Taussig), 1916-1999 (Creator, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research. Materials must be used on-site; advance notice suggested. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Biographical Note

William Taussig Scott (1916-1999) and his wife, Ann Herbert Scott lived in Reno, Nevada, between 1961-1995. William taught physics and philosophy of science at the University of Nevada, Reno, from 1961-1981 and conducted research in cloud physics at the Desert Research Institute from 1965-1975. A prolific author of journal articles, Scott also spent many years researching and writing a biography of scientist and philosopher Michael Polanyi. William and Ann were active members of the Society of Friends (Quakers) and committed to nonviolent social change.

Extent

1 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

William Scott was a prolific author of journal articles, Scott also spent many years researching and writing a biography of scientist and philosopher Michael Polanyi.Includes William Scott's abridged biography and shorter articles about scientist and philosopher Michael Polanyi; William Scott's professional correspondence; materials about the University of Nevada, Reno, Faculty Peace Group; biography and bibliography of William Scott; text and tapes of his lectures on the "Right to defend liberty" and the "Mind-body problem;" and lectures by and about William Scott's mentor, physicist Samuel Abraham Goudsmit.,Also included is some correspondence by William Scott's father, Carl F. Scott; and an article by William Scott's uncle, Roderick Scott (1903-1995).

Arrangement

Arranged into the following series: 1) Polanyi Biography; 2) Polanyi Articles; 3) Professional Materials; 4) Scott Family Materials

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Papers donated by Ann Scott in 1999.

Related Materials

William T. and Ann H. Scott papers, 95-92; William T. and Ann H. Scott papers, 97-15; William T. and Ann H. Scott papers, 97-27; William T. Scott records, AC 0408