Papers of James Curtis Booth

Collection

Identifier: 2005-070-001

Staff Only

Scope and content

For a more detailed inventory, please view this record in our library catalog: https://othmerlib.sciencehistory.org/record=b1043273~S6

The collection falls naturally into three parts. The first and largest part concerns James Curtis Booth, his student days in Germany, and his long career at the U.S. Mint at Philadelphia. The second part contains writings, mostly letters, to and from Booth's wife and daughters. These are personal in nature. The final part contains writings by other members of Booth's family, including material by his father, George Booth, who published under the pen-name "Amyntor.".

Dates

Creation: 1785-1944
Creation: Majority of material found within 1830-1895

Creator

Carson, Marian S. (collector., Person)

Language of Materials

Text in English and German.

Biographical sketch

James Curtis Booth was an analytical chemist and metallurgist who spent the bulk of his professional life as an employee of the U.S. Mint at Philadelphia, where he was Chief Melter and Refiner. He also taught chemistry and partnered with Matthew Boye and later with Thomas Garretson, ran a successful analytical laboratory-cum-training school for chemists, the first institution of its kind to be opened in the United States.

Extent

5.1 Linear Feet (14 boxes)

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection represents material created by several generations of the Booth Family. The material created by James Curtis Booth is professional in nature. Material by his daughters and other family members is more personal in nature. There are also literary works, some of them published by George ("Amyntor") Booth, the father of James.

Ownership and Custodial History

Purchased from Carmen D. Valentino, Book Dealer, from the former collection of Marion Sadtler Carson, collector and historian.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Source of acquisition--Carmen D. Valentino. Method of acquisition--Purchase;; Date of acquisition--2005..

Digitized Materials

Selected materials from this collection have been digitized and are available online in our Digital Collections: https://digital.sciencehistory.org/collections/kk91fk97p