Resources in Early American History
Manuscript Essays in genre [X]
Science and technology in topic [X]
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Abolition, emancipation, freedom (1)
Advance (Brig) (1)
Africa, West -- Description and travel (1)
American Academy of Music (Philadelphia, Pa.) (1)
American Colonization Society (1)
Anatomy -- 18th century (1)
Animal magnetism. (1)
Anishinaabe (1)
Antislavery movements -- Pennsylvania (1)
Archaeology -- Pennsylvania (1)
Arctic Regions -- Discovery and exploration (1)
Astronomy -- 18th century (1)
Astronomy. (4)
Auroras. (1)
Balloons. (1)
Bible - Criticism, interpretation, etc. (1)
Biology, genetics, eugenics (1)
Botany -- 18th century (1)
Botany. (1)
Bridges -- 18th century (1)
Canals -- New York (State) (1)
Chemistry -- Experiments. (1)
Chocolate (1)
Coffee (1)
Colonization, repatriation (1)
Conception -- Early works to 1800 (1)
Copernican system (1)
Cosmography. (1)
Culture, community, organizations (1)
Death (1)
Delaware Indians (1)
Dinosaurs -- New Jersey (1)
Diseases (1)
Earth sciences. (1)
Earthquakes -- Early works to 1800 (1)
Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia, Pa.) (1)
Eclipses. (1)
Education (1)
Electricity -- Early works to 1800 (1)
Electricity -- Early works to 1850. (2)
Electricity -- Experiments (1)
Electricity -- Experiments. (1)
Engineers -- New York (State) (1)
Formations (Geology) (1)
Fossil fuels -- Pennsylvania. (1)
France -- Politics and government -- 1789-1815 (1)
Freemasons -- New York (State) (1)
Freemasons -- Pennsylvania (1)
Gases. (1)
Geodesy (1)
1Author:  Spencer, Nathan.Requires cookie*
 Title:  Nathan Spencer's account of Godfrey, 1809     
 Dates:  1809 
 Abstract:  This volume contains an essay, apparently written by Pennsylvania farmer Nathan Spencer, about Thomas Godfrey. There are also copies of James Logan's correspondence. Some believe Godfrey invented the quadrant, and Spencer's biography argues this point. Spencer also claims to live on the same farm that Godfrey had owned.

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 Call #:  Mss.B.G54s 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Astronomy. | Hydrographic surveying. | Navigation. | Quadrant. 
2Author:  Nicklin, Philip Houlbrooke,178Requires cookie*
 Title:  Lamarck's genera of shells, [ca. 1831]     
 Dates:  Circa 1831 
 Abstract:  This volume is a manuscript copy of of Lamarck's Genera of Shells. It was copied from various sources, including the "London Quarterly Journal of Science."

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 Call #:  Mss.594.L16 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Natural history | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Mollusks. | Natural history. | Zoology. 
3Author:  Freehauff, Daniel.Requires cookie*
 Title:  Astronomical calculations, 1778, 1779     
 Dates:  1778-1779 
 Abstract:  These two volumes contain astronomical calculations for two eclipses observed in Philadelphia, one in 1778, the other in 1779. In addition to the data and calculations, the volumes contain detailed essays of how to make such calculations.

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 Call #:  Mss.523.78.F87c 
 Extent:  2 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays | Scientific Data 
 Subjects:  Astronomy. | Eclipses. 
4Author:  Priestley, Joseph, 1733-1804Requires cookie*
 Title:  Experiments relating to phlogiston and the conversion of water into air, 1783     
 Dates:  1783 
 Abstract:  This tall, slender volume details Joseph Priestley's experiments with the principles of fire, specifically inflammability, in 1783. The volume contains an essay laying out the theory of and debate surrounding "phlogiston" and then describes the experiments he took to prove its existence.

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 Call #:  Mss.540.1.P93 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays | Scientific Data 
 Subjects:  Phlogiston. 
5Author:  Ord, George, 1781-1866Requires cookie*
 Title:  Extracts from letters on John James Audubon, [n.d.]     
 Dates:  n.d. 
 Abstract:  This single volume serves as George Ord's indictment of Audubon's work. The volume contains twenty-two letters likely written by Ord between 1831 and 1838 that highlight deficiencies and mistakes in Audubon's work. There is also a manuscript copy of a review of Audubon's work that details Audubon's history in Philadelphia and the origins of the rivalry between Ord and Audubon.

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 Call #:  Mss.B.Au25o 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Natural history | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays | Scientific Correspondence 
6Author:  Maillet, Benoît de,1656-1738.Requires cookie*
 Title:  Nouveau système du monde, 1715-1724     
 Dates:  1715-1724 
 Abstract:  This three volume set is one of eight known manuscripts of Benoit De Maillet's Nouveau System du Monde. Although it is listed as being an extract, that designation only applies to the first eighty-two pages. The remaining three volumes are a complete version of the work, which may differ significantly from the printed version. This set came from Benjamin Franklin's private library.

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 Call #:  Mss.113.M28e 
 Extent:  3 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Beyond Early America | Natural history | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Earth sciences. | Formations (Geology) | Marine biology. | Oceanography. 
7Author:  Coxe, John Redman, 1773-1864Requires cookie*
 Title:  Observations & remarks tending to explain certain parts of the sacred scriptures, 1812-1813     
 Dates:  1812-1813 
 Abstract:  John Redman Coxe was a premier physician in nineteenth century America best known for his work in medicine as a physician, teacher, and author. The John Redman Coxe Collection shows a different side of Coxe. The APS Collection is a bound, handwritten essay by Coxe entitled, "Observations and Remarks Tending to Explain Certain Parts of the Sacred Scriptures, 1812-1813." This fascinating and often-sophisticated volume deals with various arguments put forward by skeptics that challenge the accuracy of the Bible, with particular attention paid to Genesis. Coxe then offers his own rebuttal or the rebuttal of others. Coxe frequently challenges prevailing translations of Hebrew words, believing that more accurate definitions can sometimes solve confusion or controversy. Although the work was never published, it does offer insight into the types of debates about the Bible accessible to Americans in the nineteenth century.

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 Call #:  Mss.220.2.C836 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Natural history | Religion | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Bible - Criticism, interpretation, etc. 
8Author:  Mulhern, Edward, d.1833?Requires cookie*
 Title:  Dissertation on the doctrine and principles of magnetism     
 Dates:  1829 
 Abstract:  This is Edward Mulhern's dissertation on magnetism submitted to the APS in 1829.

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 Call #:  Mss.538.M91 
 Extent:  0.1 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  Science and technology 
 Genre:  Dissertations | Educational Material | Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Geodesy | Geomagnetism 
9Author:  Bruno, M. deRequires cookie*
 Title:  Essai metaphysique, physique et phisiologistique relativement à la découverte de M. Mesmer, 1786     
 Dates:  1786 
 Abstract:  This is a handwritten essay on Franz Mesmer and his claims to have healing and other metaphysical powers. Mesmer is today thought of as an early user of hypnosis. Throughout the 1770s and 1780s, he captivated French society. Marie Antoinette was particularly interested in his abilities. Finally, King Louis convened a scientific body in 1784 to examine the claims of Mesmer and his disciples. Benjamin Franklin, still in France as an American envoy, headed the committee, which debunked Mesmerism. The report can be found in the Papers of Benjamin Franklin and in the Diary of Benjamin Franklin Bache, both of which are at the APS.

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 Call #:  Mss.134.B83 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Beyond Early America | Medicine | Natural history | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Animal magnetism. | Hypnotism. | Mesmerism. 
10Author:  AnonymousRequires cookie*
 Title:  Scientific copybook, [n.d.]     
 Dates:  Circa 19th c. 
 Abstract:  This scientific copybook is like a commonplace book. It has various essays on a range of scientifc topics. The essays had been printed in various journals that were then copied in manuscript form in this notebook. Some entries note the source from which they were copied. The partially filled notebook was likely compiled sometime in the early nineteenth century.

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 Call #:  Mss.500.Cop79 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Science and technology 
 Genre:  Commonplace Book | Educational Material | Manuscript Essays | Notebooks | Scientific Data 
 Subjects:  Astronomy. | Natural history. | Zoology. 
11Author:  Beccaria, Giambatista, 1716-1781Requires cookie*
 Title:  Giambatista Beccaria Papers     
 Dates:  1766-1780 
 Abstract:  The Beccaria Collection consists of a folio size volume of collected letters and essays. Giovanni Battista Beccaria was a leading scientist in eighteenth century Italy. The collection includes letters Beccaria wrote to Franklin as well as drafts of essays he prepared for publication. The topics of the letters include discussions of electricity, meteorology, and astronomy.

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 Call #:  Mss.B.B385 
 Extent:  0.75 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  Beyond Early America | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Foreign Language | Manuscript Essays | Scientific Correspondence 
 Subjects:  Auroras. | Earthquakes -- Early works to 1800 | Electricity -- Early works to 1800 | Electricity -- Experiments | Lightning | Lightning rods | Meteorology -- Italy -- Observations | Phosphorescence | Physics -- Early works to 1800 | Scientific apparatus and instruments -- 18th century | Sunspots 
12Author:  Marchant, Henry, 1741-1796Requires cookie*
 Title:  Henry Marchant diary, 1771-1772     
 Dates:  1771-1772 
 Abstract:  This is a typescript copy of Henry Marchant's journal that he kept on his trip to England in 1771-1772. The journal begins with his voyage from Newport to England and continues throughout his travels in England. The journal is detailed and well-written and contains many anecdotes and observations, including numerous references to Benjamin Franklin, who was then himself in London. Marchant's social gatherings are particularly noteworthy. He recounts a discussion of republican principles with Catherine Macauley, dinners with Franklin and David Hume, and an audience with the Queen and Prince of Wales.

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 Call #:  Mss.B.M332 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  American Revolution | Americans Abroad | Beyond Early America | International Travel | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays | Travel Narratives and Journals 
13Author:  Roberts, Joseph,1793-1835.Requires cookie*
 Title:  Joseph Roberts philosophical and mathematical papers, 1812-1814     
 Dates:  1812-1814 
 Abstract:  This collection includes scientific educational material and data from nineteenth century scientist Joseph Roberts. The volumes contain problems, lectures, and notes.

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 Call #:  Mss.510.R54 
 Extent:  3 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Education | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Educational Material | Manuscript Essays | Notebooks | Scientific Data 
 Subjects:  Astronomy. | Mathematics -- Problems, exercises, etc. | Physics. | Spherical trigonometry. 
14Author:  Rittenhouse, David, 1732-1796Requires cookie*
 Title:  Oration delivered February 24th 1775 before the American Philosophical Society     
 Dates:  1775 
 Abstract:  Summary(s) of Collection: David Rittenhouse's oration on astronomy delivered to the American Philosophical Society in 1775 is a long essay on the history of astronomy and astronomical knowledge, beginning with Chaldean knowledge systems and ending with the present. Rittenhouse includes his own thoughts on astronomy and its usefulness to society.

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 Call #:  Mss.520.4.R51ms 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Natural history | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Educational Material | Institutional Records | Manuscript Essays | Scientific Data 
15Author:  Beccaria, Giambatista, 1716-1781Requires cookie*
 Title:  Ex Phisicis Institutionibus, 1769     
 Dates:  1769 
 Abstract:  Giovanni Battista Beccaria was a leading scientist in eighteenth century Italy. In addition to the manuscript collection, the APS also has a bound handwritten volume of Beccaria entitled Ex Phisics Institutionibus. This volume has the feel of a textbook with chapters on different subjects, most dealing with electricity. The back of the book contains fourteen plates. These plates contain diagrams on weights and measures, mechanics, astronomy, and mathematics.

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 Call #:  Mss.537.B38exp 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Natural history | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Educational Material | Foreign Language | Manuscript Essays | Scientific Data 
 Subjects:  Copernican system | Cosmography. | Education | Electricity -- Early works to 1850. | Electricity -- Experiments. | Mathematics -- Research -- Italy. | Physics -- Research -- Italy. 
16Author:  AnonymousRequires cookie*
 Title:  Traité de physique et de chymie, ca. 1800     
 Dates:  Circa 1800 
 Abstract:  This beautifully bound volume contains numerous essays on scientific developments that occurred in the 18th century. The text of the notebook is written so that the manuscript appears like a published work. Among the topics discussed are electricity, physics, balloons, pharmacology, and an invention by Peter Woulfe. The notebook is in French.

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 Call #:  Mss.537.G18 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Education | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Educational Material | Foreign Language | Manuscript Essays | Notebooks | Scientific Data 
 Subjects:  Balloons. | Chemistry -- Experiments. | Electricity -- Early works to 1850. | Gases. | Hydraulics. | Pharmacology. | Science -- History. | Technology -- History. 
17Author:  Bunbury, Charles James Fox, Sir, 1809-1886Requires cookie*
 Title:  Sir Charles James Fox Bunbury papers, 1845-1852     
 Dates:  1845-1852 
 Abstract:  The Charles Bunbury Collection contains a wealth of information on fossils. Sir Charles Bunbury was a nineteenth century geologist and paleontologist. The majority of the documents in collection are Bunbury's own notes on the subject of fossils. These very detailed notes contain a wealth of information on fossil finds and can provide insight into the prevailing ideas and debates about fossil remains. The collection includes a range of material, including a draft of an essay on algae, reports and analysis of important fossil finds, and reviews and notes on recent publications. The collection also includes a number of Bunbury's private notebooks in which he describes fossils he has seen or read about in great detail, thus giving modern researchers access to information on remains that may no longer be in existence.

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 Call #:  Mss.B.B88 
 Extent:  0.25 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  Natural history | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays | Notebooks | Scientific Data | Sketchbooks 
 Subjects:  Fossil fuels -- Pennsylvania. | Mineralogy | Paleobotany -- Germany -- Aachen. | Paleobotany -- Nova Scotia -- Cape Breton Island. | Paleobotany -- Pennsylvania. 
18Author:  Correia da Serra, José Francisco, 1750-1823Requires cookie*
 Title:  Note nécrologique sur le Docteur Wistar, 1818     
 Dates:  1818 
 Abstract:  This small bound volume contains a range of information on Caspar Wistar's life. There is a French essay on Wistar, a 47-page printed eulogy published by the APS, various newspaper clippings, and letters from others, all commemorating Wistar's life. A range of significant moments in Wistar's life are discussed, such as the yellow fever epidemic, scientific pursuits and friends, and his career as a professor at the University of Pennsylvania

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 Call #:  Mss.B.W76c 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Medicine | Philadelphia History | Science and technology 
 Genre:  General Correspondence | Manuscript Essays | Printed Material 
 Subjects:  Physicians 
19Author:  Questebrune, JohnRequires cookie*
 Title:  A Short Introduction to Natural Philosophy     
 Dates:  1718-1720 
 Abstract:  This volume compiles a wide array of scientific knowledge for the early eighteenth century. John Questerbrune wrote the volume between 1718 and 1720. It covers natural philosphy, medicine, astronomy, and the environment. The hand-written volume includes a series of sketches.

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 Call #:  Mss.500.Q3 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Literature, Arts, and Culture | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Art | Dissertations | Educational Material | Manuscript Essays | Maps and Surveys | Sketchbooks 
 Subjects:  Anatomy -- 18th century | Astronomy -- 18th century | Botany -- 18th century | Chocolate | Coffee | Conception -- Early works to 1800 | Death | Diseases | Medicinal plants | Mineralogy -- 18th century | Natural history -- 18th century | Occultism -- Early works to 1900 | Physics -- Ireland -- Early works to 1800 | Religion and science | Sympathy | Tea 
20Author:  Paine, Thomas, 1737-1809Requires cookie*
 Title:  Colonel Richard Gimbel Collection of Thomas Paine Papers     
 Dates:  1692 - Circa 1921 
 Abstract:  The Thomas Paine Collection is a very rich and diverse collection. Much of the early material is from Paine to others. The later material contains significant documents that Richard Gimbel Collected from the early national period (after 1800) that do not involve Paine but may be of interest to researchers of that period. Included in the documents are notes on Common Sense, letters on courtship and love, the American Revolution, and letters relating to his time in France after the Revolution.

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 Call #:  Mss.B.P165 
 Extent:  176 items 
 Topics:  American Revolution | Americans Abroad | Colonial Politics | Early National Politics | Engineering | International Affairs | Marriage and Family Life | Printing and Publishing | Science and technology 
 Genre:  General Correspondence | Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Bridges -- 18th century | France -- Politics and government -- 1789-1815 | Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1789-1820 | Ireland -- Foreign relations | Lotteries -- New York (State) | New York (N.Y.) -- Description and travel -- 18th century | Paine, Thomas, 1737-1809 | Roofing, Slate | Schuylkill River Bridge | United States -- Politics and government -- Revolution, 1775-1783 
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