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Paul Harteck papers

 Collection
Identifier: MC 17

Scope and Contents

The Paul Harteck papers (MC 17) contain correspondence, writings and research notes, miscellaneous family materials, and photographs documenting Harteck’s professional activities in both Germany and the United States from the late 1920’s to the 1970’s. Harteck’s early correspondence is primarily in German; after 1950 more of the correspondence is in English. The most continuous series of letters is the correspondence exchanged between Paul Harteck and Karl Friedrich Bonhoeffer between 1927 and 1957. The letters discuss the professional and personal activities of both men. Harteck’s general correspondence from 1931 through 1960 consists of original letters. However, from 1961 to 1976 the correspondence consists entirely of photocopies. The general correspondence relates to both professional and personal activities as a Rockefeller Fellow at the Cavendish Laboratory under the direction of Ernest Rutherford, 1933-1934; as Professor and Director of the Institute for Physical Chemistry at the University of Hamburg, 1934-1951; and as Distinguished Research Professor of Physical Chemistry at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1951-1976. Correspondents of note include: Max Bodenstein (two letters 1941, 1942), James Chadwick (one letter 1932?), Wilhelm Groth (three letters 1937), Fritz Haber (one letter 1933), Otto Hahn (four letters 1946, 1954, 1958), Werner Heisenberg (four letters 1940, 1941, 1946, 1947), Ernest Rutherford (four letters 1932, 1933). Subject correspondence files include letters exchanged between Harteck and Erich Bagge 1951-1953 and Harteck and Willard Libby 1954-1958; correspondence relating to Harteck’s research on heavy water production 1946-1957 and nuclear reactors 1955-1956; correspondence with Brazil’s National Research Council relating to the use of centrifuges for uranium enrichment 1952-1957; and a photocopy, with English translation, of a 1939 memorandum by Harteck and Wilhelm Groth to the Reich Ministry of War regarding the potential of military applications of nuclear chain reactions. Family correspondence includes a series of letters written to Harteck by his mother Gabriele Harteck during 1933-1949 discussing family and personal matters. Among Harteck’s writings are a copy of his 1926 Ph.D. dissertation; article reprints from the 1960’s-1970’s; copies of addresses and lectures 1940’s-1970’s; research notes 1930’s-1960’s; and drafts of articles and research proposals 1940’s-1970’s. A bibliography of Harteck’s publications is in box 10, folder 1. Miscellaneous items include biographical articles, oral histories, and interviews of Harteck; patent documents and expense receipts; materials related to Harteck’s retirement from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1982; and photocopies of family documents 1920’s-1950’s. Photographs include pictures taken by Harteck during summer travels in Europe 1930’s; Harteck with students and colleagues 1930’s-1980’s; several images taken while a Rockefeller Fellow at the Cavendish Laboratory 1934, including an Ernest Rutherford portrait; Paul Harteck portraits; and family pictures.

Dates

  • Created: 1927-1979

Extent

4.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

German

Abstract

Correspondence, writings and research notes, miscellaneous family materials, and photographs documenting Harteck’s professional activities in both Germany and the United States from the late 1920’s to the 1970’s.

Arrangement Note

This collection is arranged in four series: Series I Correspondence has six sub-series:  A. From Karl Freidrich Bonhoeffer, B. To Karl Friedrich Bonhoeffer, C. Subjects, D. Family, E. General, F. General (Photocopies). Series II Writings and Research Notes. Series III Miscellaneous. Series IV Photographs. All series are arranged chronologically except for Series IV, Photographs.

Author
John Dojka
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
eng

Repository Details

Part of the Institute Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
110 8th Street
Institute Archives and Special Collections
Rensselaer Libraries, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy NY 12180-3590 US
518 276 8340