GB 0116 William Lawrence Bragg Collection - Bragg, Sir William Lawrence (1890-1971)

18.30 metres

GB 0116 William Lawrence Bragg Collection 1888-1971 Collection (fonds) 18.30 metres Bragg, Sir William Lawrence, 1890-1971. Knight. Physicist.
William Lawrence Bragg was born the son of William Henry Bragg, physicist and Gwendoline Todd, in Adelaide, Australia, in 1890. As a child, he attended Queen's preparatory school and St Peter's College in Adelaide. He went to the University of Adelaide at the age of 15 in order to study mathematics and graduated in 1908 in physics and chemistry. In 1909 he came to England with his family and went to study at Cambridge. In 1910 he gained first class honours in part one of the mathematical Tripos and subsequently gained a first in part two of the physics Tripos in 1912. In 1914 he became a Fellow and lecturer in Natural Sciences at Trinity College Cambridge. He began researching under J. J. Thomson and worked on the reflection of x-ray waves by planes of atoms in crystals, in order to reveal the position of atoms thus developing crystal analysis. The relationship between the angle of incidence and wavelength, and between parallel atomic planes is known as Bragg's Angle' orBragg's Law'. He worked on crystal structure and its arrangement in sodium and potassium. He also worked with his father, William Henry Bragg, particularly on the structure of diamond, resulting in a joint publication in 1915 called X-Rays and Crystal Structure. It was for this work with his father that he jointly won the Nobel Prize for physics in 1915, and at 25 years old, he remains the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Prize. During the First World War and until 1919, William Lawrence (he was known as Lawrence in order to distinguish him from his father) primarily served in the Royal Horse Artillery until he became Technical Adviser to the Map Section in order to research into sound ranging to locate enemy guns. In 1919 he became Langworthy Professor of Physics at the University of Manchester, a position he held until 1937. He set up the School of Crystallography at Manchester and introduced the study of atomic radii, x-ray diffraction, scattering atoms, analysing structures, branch of optics, order-disorder changes and metals, alloys and silicate. He developed quantitative crystallography and worked on the structure of minerals and later, protein. In 1921 he married Alice Hopkins and they had four children, Stephen Lawrence, David William, Margaret Alice and Patience Mary. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1921. In 1937 he became Director of the National Physics Laboratory, but only until 1938 when he became Cavendish Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Cambridge. He held this position until 1953 having reorganised the Cavendish Laboratory into separate branches of physics. It was split into nuclear physics, low temperature physics, radio physics, crystallography and metal physics. Whilst at Cambridge, he realised the potential of using crystal analysis on living cells, after Max Perutz had shown him an x-ray photograph of haemoglobin. In the Second World War, Lawrence became a consultant to the sound ranging section of the army, and also to the Admiralty on underwater detection using sound waves (known as asdic or sonar). He was also on the Ministry of Supply Committee and assisted the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. In 1941 he went to Ottawa, Canada as a scientific liaison officer for the war effort. In 1941 he was knighted. From 1939 to 1943, he was President of the Institute of Physics, whereby he promoted x-ray research and also became the first President of the International Union of Crystallography. In 1947 he helped set up what became the Medical Research Council Laboratory of molecular biology at the Cavendish laboratory, Cambridge. Under his direction, Francis Crick and James Watson determined the double helix structure of DNA. In 1953 he became Fullerian Professor of Chemistry at the Royal Institution of Great Britain (RI). In 1954 he became Director of the Davy-Faraday Research Laboratory at the RI, and developed it into a major centre for x-ray analysis. He was the first person to be denominated Director of the RI. He introduced corporate membership to the RI and performed lectures on television for the first time. He worked closely with Max Perutz and John Kendrew at Cambridge (who gained a Nobel Prize for their work on proteins) and under his guidance David Phillips (later Lord), determined the structure of lysozyme in 1965 which was the first enzyme to have its structure identified. Lawrence was Chairman of the Frequency Advisory Committee from 1958 to 1960. He retired from the RI in 1966, but continued to lecture there until 1971. He gained several medals in his career including the Hughes medal in 1931, the Royal Medal in 1946 and the Copley medal in 1966 from the Royal Society. He published many articles and books such as `The Diffraction of Short Electromagnetic Waves by a Crystal' in Proceedings of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, 1912; The Crystalline State in 1934 and others in journals such as Philosophical Magazine, Transactions of the Faraday Society and Proceedings of the Royal Society. Lawrence died near Waldringfield, Suffolk in 1971.

The papers of Sir William Lawrence Bragg were transferred from his office at the RI and also donated by the Bragg family after his death.

Papers of Sir William Lawrence Bragg include: (Box1-Box5) speeches and lectures 1942-1971 (some undated), (Box6) civil service lectures 1964-1966 and (Box7-Box9) school lecture notes 1959-1970, relate to topics such as x-ray analysis, science and industry, science in education, the structure of minerals, atoms and molecules, electricity, light, the Royal Institution of Great Britain (RI) and various acceptance speeches for medals. (Box10) Honours and appointments 1936-1971, relate to correspondence and certificates for honours and positions received from various institutions such as the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge and the Royal Society; also includes letters of congratulations for the honours including that of being knighted in 1941. (Box11) Royal Institution relates to salaries, contracts and organisation. (Box12) James Watson's book 1966-1968, relates to correspondence between Watson and Lawrence, as well as other correspondents; reviews and amendments to the book by Watson called The Double Helix. (Box13) Nobel Prizes relates to papers and correspondence over speeches and nominations for the Nobel Prizes (Note these papers are closed until 2021). (Box14) Private correspondence, references, testimonials and Royal Society Fellowships 1954-1984, relate to various issues including writing references for people, personal life and proposals for Fellows of the Royal Society. (Box15) Retirement, appointments, RI internal affairs, Westgate covenant and salaries. (Box16-Box18) Articles 1955-1969, relate to various articles written by Lawrence for newspapers and journals such as the Times Educational Supplement, Acta Crystallographica and New Scientist. (Box19) Visits to the USA 1925-1935, include articles and correspondence relating to visits to institutions in America; writing articles and general RI administration. Several boxes contain various papers including: (Box20) correspondence with Joseph J. Thomson; a report on the (Michael) Faraday film by S R Eade of 1932; a diary of a visit to South Africa; correspondence 1965, relating to the 50th anniversary of winning the Nobel Prize in 1915; correspondence relating to R J Seeger's paper on Michael Faraday; papers relating to the Rutherford Memorial Lecture of 1958 and papers relating to the Bragg Lecture Fund for the RI; (Box 21) correspondence relating to tape recordings of Lawrence in interviews; articles for Nuclear Applications, Acta Crystallographica and others 1967-1968; articles and correspondence for Scientific American 1965-1971 relating to x-ray crystallography; correspondence regarding the writing of a new edition of The Atomic Structure of Minerals by Lawrence,1954-1967 relating to the crystal structures of minerals; (Box22) correspondence relating to Lawrence Bragg's 80th birthday celebrations, 1968-1971; correspondence relating to Isaac Newton and astrolabes; correspondence relating to Lawrence writing the book The Development of X-Ray Analysis; correspondence relating to Lawrence writing a book about physics called Ideas and Discoveries in Physics; (Box23) BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) correspondence 1954-1960, relates to broadcasts made by Lawrence; correspondence relating to the television programme '50 Years a Winner' about the anniversary of winning the Nobel Prize in 1965; (Box24) letters of congratulation from Lawrence to other people 1954-1969; correspondence relating to the editorial board of the Contemporary Physics publication 1964-1969; (Box25) correspondence relating to 'cranks', people who were not genuine or asked for information unrelated to Lawrence's work; correspondence 1962-1971, relating to a new edition of The Crystalline State book by Lawrence; papers relating to a visit to Czechoslovakia 1968-1969; (Box26) papers relating to the disposal of scientific books and journals 1962-1971; papers relating to the distribution of reprints of articles 1967-1969; correspondence 1966-1971, relating to the RI 'Library of Science' series on science subjects reproducing other publications such as the Proceedings of the Royal Institution; (Box27) correspondence with the Field Survey Association 1948-1971, relating to Lawrence's work during the World Wars; Sound Ranging in the 1914-1918 War, refers to papers of 1966-1969 relating to the subject; correspondence on the bubble model film 1954-1971, relating to the silent film on the 'Bubble Model of a Metal' by Lawrence; (Box28) general correspondence 1966-1971, relating to making films of lectures and scientific topics such as x-ray crystallography and molecules and life, by various companies such as the BBC, Anvil Films Limited and the Educational Foundation for Visual Arts; film scripts and correspondence for 'The Nature of Things' series of six broadcasts from the RI by Lawrence for the BBC 1959-1968; (Box29) correspondence 1965-1968, relating to scientific lectures at the Imperial Defence College and Lawrence's involvement in giving them; correspondence 1956-1970, relating to the Institute of Physics and the Physical Society on issues such as naming a medal after Lawrence Bragg; (Box30) invitations to dinners and lectures at numerous institutions, 1966-1971; (Box31) correspondence 1955-1971, relating to functions, articles, books and work for the Lee-Hemming Fellowship Fund, the Lucretian Club, films of school lectures, the Medical Research Council and miscellaneous papers regarding publishers and societies; (Box32) papers and correspondence relating to the Honorary Scientific Advisory Committee of the National Gallery 1955-1970, publications for the New Knowledge journal 1965-1966, 'nice letters to keep' kept by Lawrence 1963-1971, the 50th anniversary of the Nobel Prize won in 1915, 1964-1966, the Nobel Prize winners Max Perutz, John Kendrew, Francis Crick, James Watson and Maurice Wilkins, the Nobel meeting at Lindau in 1971 and obituaries by and information from Lawrence1961-1971; (Box33) lists of publications 1913-1969; press correspondence and cuttings 1955-1968; requests for reprints 1958-1964; correspondence relating to research 1953-1971; (Box34) reviews of papers 1947-1970; correspondence relating to the RI 1966-1971; correspondence and papers relating to the Royal Society and Club 1957-1971; (Box35) correspondence relating to the Royal Society soirées 1965-1968; correspondence relating to the Schools Science and Technology Committee 1969; correspondence relating to Solvay Physics Conferences 1933, 1962-1970; correspondence relating to Trinity College Cambridge 1951-1971; correspondence relating to visitors from overseas 1954-1962; (Box36) a card index to old files of Lawrence's; (Box37) family correspondence 1888-1941; (Box38) correspondence relating to appointments 1954-1962; correspondence relating to giving lectures and writing papers 1939-1960; requests for articles 1959-1967; (Box39) correspondence relating to lectures demonstrations for the American Association of Physics Teachers 1962-1963; correspondence relating to an article in the Saturday Evening Post, the bomb detector and with A. J. Bradley 1938-1963; (Box40) correspondence and scripts for broadcasts 1938-1953; (Box41) correspondence relating to Lawrence as a Canadian liaison 1940-1946; (Box42) correspondence relating to publications and becoming Cavendish Professor of Physics 1938-1963; (Box43) correspondence relating to publications by Lawrence 1921-1937; (Box44) correspondence relating to the English Speaking Union of the Commonwealth, with P. P. Ewald, short films by Lawrence, funds for physicists and the Gemmological Association of Great Britain 1954-1968; (Box45) invitations to functions 1947-1953; (Box46) correspondence relating to the Higher Technical Education Committee, hospital expenses incurred by Lawrence, broadcasts and the Institute of Physics 1943-1965; (Box47) correspondence relating to the Gold medal of the Institution of Royal Engineers, international crystal structure tables and invitations to lecture 1932-1964; (Box48) invitations, correspondence relating to obituaries for R. W. James, papers for the Lawes Agricultural Trust Committee 1953-1968; (Box49/a) correspondence relating to lightning conductors 1959; (Box49/b-c, Box50-Box54/a) miscellaneous correspondence from various recipients on various aspects of Lawrence's work and life, 1942-1968; (Box54/b-c) correspondence relating to the Nuffield Science Project 1963-1965; correspondence with Ray Pepinsky on visits and x-ray analysis 1957-1958; (Box55) correspondence relating to the Pepinsky machine for x-ray analysis, publications and articles, the Physical Society, broadcasting and with Derek J. de Solla Price 1941-1969; (Box56-Box57) personal correspondence of Lawrence Bragg 1944-1966; (Box58-Box59/b) references and testimonials by Lawrence 1925-1958; (Box59/c) letter from J. A. Darbyshire 1932; (Box60) reviews of publications 1933-1946; (Box61) correspondence relating to the Royal Institution Appeal 1966-1968; (Box62/a-b) correspondence relating to RI lectures by Lawrence and others 1938-1952; (Box62/c-Box63/b) texts and notes of RI lectures and speeches 1952-1954; (Box63/c-d, Box64/a) correspondence relating to the Royal Photographic Society and the Royal Society Tercentenary, with press cuttings, 1955-1961; (Box64/b) correspondence relating to the Solvay conferences 1959-1961; (Box65) correspondence and papers relating to the Field Survey Association and the War Office, 1919-1940; (Box66) correspondence and reports relating to sound ranging for the war effort, 1940-1946; (Box67) correspondence relating to 'The Nature of Things' television series 1959-1965; correspondence relating to the Understanding Science magazine, the London International Youth Science Fortnight and London Science Club 1962-1968; (Box68-Box70) correspondence and papers relating to overseas visits to countries such as Portugal, South Africa, Canada, Berlin and India, 1941-1968; (Box71-Box79) research notes and correspondence on topics such as x-ray optics, silicates, alloys, order-disorder and heat curves, 1919-1953; (Box80) desk diaries 1966-1970; (Box81) pocket diaries 1951-1971; (Box82-Box86) correspondence and papers on the International Exhibition, Brussels 1958 including papers on exhibits from the UK to be transported to Brussels for example the 'atom exhibit', the 'crystal exhibit' and the 'living cell exhibit', 1956-1959, with letters to and from William Henry Bragg of 1913-1914; (Box87) material including photographs and ephemera collected by Lawrence for his autobiography; (Box88-Box91) RI administrative files including correspondence, applications for tickets, applications for grants for the Davy-Faraday Research Laboratory, Managers' minutes and papers, school science lectures and Christmas lectures, 1953-1965; (Box92) reprints of papers by Lawrence's students and colleagues 1919-1970; (Box93) correspondence relating to the Friday Evening Discourses at the RI 1954-1967.

Some accruals expected.

As outlined in the scope and content field. Some material is uncatalogued. Some material forms part of the Sir William Henry Bragg collection at the RI.

Access to bona fide researchers by appointment with the Keeper of the Collections or the Assistant Archivist, the Royal Institution of Great Britain (RI). Conditions may apply. All users will be required to sign a declaration of use on their first visit. Papers relating to Nobel Prizes are closed until 2021.

Reproduction of material is permitted at the discretion of the Keeper of the Collections, RI. Conditions may apply.
English

Catalogue at the RI.

Other papers of Sir William Lawrence Bragg are located at: Royal Artillery Institution (reference: MD/364); Oxford University Bodleian Library Special Collections and Western Manuscripts (reference: SPSL, NCUACS 47/3/94 and NCUACS 45/1/94); Medical Research Council; Cambridge University Churchill Archives Centre (reference: BLRD, CHAD I 24/2, IV 1/6, AVHL); Oxford University Nuffield College Library (reference: Cherwell papers); Cambridge University Library Department of Manuscripts and University Archives (reference: CSA C90/1/83, MSS A. 184, D.2); Rice University Woodson Research Centre, Texas, USA (reference: Julian S Huxley papers); Leeds University Brotherton Library (reference: MS 333); Imperial War Museum Department of Documents (reference: HTT); Cambridge University Archives (reference: CAV). The Royal Institution of Great Britain holds portraits and a model of the structure of lysozyme, of Sir William Lawrence Bragg.

Sources: catalogue at the RI; other useful published sources on Sir William Lawrence Bragg: Selections and Reflections: The Legacy of Sir Lawrence Bragg, edited by John M. Thomas and Sir David Phillips (later Lord), Science Reviews Limited, Middlesex, 1990. Obituary in Biographical Memoirs of Fellows of the Royal Society 1979 Vol. 25, pp75-143, Sir David Phillips (later Lord), Royal Society, London, 1979. Description compiled by Miss Ivone Martins, Assistant Archivist, RI. Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997. March 2001. Acta Crystallographica , scientific journal Adam Hilger Limited Adelaide Administration Adrian , Edgar Douglas , 1889-1977 , 1st Baron Adrian , physiologist x Adrian , 1st Baron Allibone , Thomas Edward , b 1903 , physicist and electrical engineer Americas Andrade , Edward Neville da Costa , 1887-1971 , physicist Anvil Films Limited Appleton , Sir , Edward Victor , 1892-1965 , Knight , physicist Asia and the Pacific Astbury , William Thomas , 1898-1961 , physicist Atkins , A H , fl 1940-1944 Australia Baker , John Fleetwood , 1901-1985 , Baron Baker , structural engineer x Baker of Windrush, Gloucestershire , Baron Balfour , John , fl 1956-1957 Bannister , Frederick Allan , 1901-1970 , mineralogist Barton , Sir , Derek Harold Richard , 1918-1998 , Knight , chemist Basic Books Incorporated BBC , British Broadcasting Corporation x British Broadcasting Corporation Bebbington , Bernard Nicholas , 1910-1980 , policeman and author Beer , Sir , Gavin Rylands , De , 1899-1972 , Knight , embryologist x De Beer , Sir , Gavin Rylands Beevers , C A , fl 1938-1949 Belgium Bergel , Franz , 1900-1987 , chemist Berg , W F , fl 1937-1946 Berlin Bernal , John Desmond , 1901-1971 , physicist Biology Bishop , R E D , fl 1959-1959 Blackett , Patrick Maynard Stuart , 1897-1974 , Baron Blackett of Chelsea , physicist Boex , G , fl 1954-1954 Bohr , Niels Henrik David , 1885-1962 , Danish physicist Bok , Bart J , fl 1960-1961 Bondi , Sir , Hermann , b 1919 , Knight , mathematician and astronomer Bonsanquet , C H , fl 1920-1929 Born , Max , 1882-1970 , German physicist Bowden , Vivian , fl 1964-1965 Brabazon , John Theodore Cuthbert , Moore- , 1884-1964 , 1st Baron Brabazon of Tara , politician, aviator and President of the Royal Institution x Moore-Brabazon , John Theodore Cuthbert x Brabazon of Tara , 1st Baron Bradley , Albert James , 1899-1972 , physicist Bragg , Sir , William Henry , 1862-1942 , Knight , physicist Bragg , Sir , William Lawrence , 1890-1971 , Knight , physicist Brasseur , H A L , fl 1930-1932 Brentano , J C M , fl 1938-1939 Brindley , G W , fl 1929-1950 British Thomson-Houston Company Limited Britsowe , W S , fl 1957-1960 Broadcasting Browne , B C , fl 1958-1959 Brown , Guy B , fl 1942-1946 Bruckshaw , J M , fl 1930-1964 Brussels Bruyne , Norman Adrian , de , b 1904 , engineer x de Bruyne , N A Bryant , Sir , Arthur Wynne Morgan , 1899-1985 , Knight , author Bullard , E C , fl 1944-1960 Bull , Lucien , 1876-1972 , natural scientist Bunn , C W , fl 1940-1944 Butler , C G , fl 1963-1964 Butler , Elsie M , fl 1957-1958 Callan , H G , fl 1956-1958 Cambridge Cambridgeshire Canada Caribbean Carr , Francis Howard , 1874-1969 , chemist Central Office of Information Chapman , N B , fl 1956-1959 Civil Service Commission Claringbull , Sir , Gordon Frank , b 1911 , Knight , mineralogist Clark , George Sidney Roberts , Kitson , 1900-1975 , historian x Kitson Clark , George Sidney Robert Clark , Kenneth Mackenzie , 1903-1983 , Baron Clark , art historian Clark , Ronald William , 1916-1987 , biographer and historian Clark , S H , fl 1960-1960 Clark , V M , fl 1957-1958 Clews , C John Birkett , fl 1942-1957 , physicist Cockcroft , Sir , John Douglas , 1897-1967 , Knight , physicist Commission on Crystallographic Apparatus Compton , Arthur Holly , 1892-1962 , physicist Contemporary Physics Cornell University Press Cosslett , Vernon Ellis , 1908-1990 , physicist Cottrell , Sir , Alan Howard , b 1919 , Knight , metallurgist Cox , Sir , Ernest Gordon , 1906-1996 , Knight , chemist Cox , Sir , Trenchard , b 1905 , Knight , Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum Crick , Francis Harry Compton , b 1916 , biologist Crowther , James Gerald , 1899-1983 , science journalist Cuckow , F W , fl 1958-1959 Dale , Sir , Henry Hallett , 1875-1968 , Knight , physiologist, pharmacologist and physician Darbyshire , James A , fl 1933-1943 Dart , Robert Thurston , 1921-1971 , musicologist Darwin , Sir , Charles Galton , 1887-1962 , Knight , physicist Davies , E R , fl 1942 Davy Faraday Research Laboratory Dee , Phillip Ivor , 1904-1983 , natural philosopher Denning , Alfred Thompson , 1899-1999 , Baron Denning , Master of the Rolls Dennis , L M , fl 1927-1932 Desch , Cecil Henry , 1874-1958 , metallurgist Deutsch Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin Dibden , E H K , fl 1956-1958 Dingle , Herbert , 1890-1978 , natural philosopher Dunbar , C , fl 1929-1930 Dunlop Rubber Company Limited Educational Foundation for Visual Aids Electrical Research Association Electromagnetic waves Ellis , Charles , fl 1943-1954 Elsevier Publishing Company Limited England English Speaking Union of Commonwealth English University Press Europe Evans , R C , fl 1935-1952 Ewing , Ellen , fl 1941-1944 Fell , Dame , Honor Bridget , 1900-1986 , medical scientist Ferguson , Allan , 1880-1951 , physicist Field Survey Association Florey , Howard Walter , 1898-1968 , Baron Florey , pathologist Foreign Office Francis , Marcus , fl 1943-1954 Frisch , Otto Robert , 1904-1979 , physicist Gabor , Dennis , 1900-1979 , physicist G. Bell and Sons Limited General Electric Company Gerlach , Walther , 1889-1979 , German physicist Germany Gluck , H , fl 1960-1960 Godwin , Harry , 1901-1985 , botanist Goodwin , T H , fl 1938-1943 Gough , H J , fl 1939-1940 Graff , Lotte , Meitner- , fl 1961-1963 , photographer x Meitner-Graff , Lotte Graham , Percy Cyril Claude , 1900-1994 , parasitologist Gray , Joseph Alexander , 1884-1966 , physicist Green , A T , fl 1941-1941 Greenaway , Frank , b 1917 , chemist Green , Philip S , fl 1965-1967 Greenwood , P H , fl 1964-1964 Gregory , Richard Langton , b 1923 , Professor of Neuropsychology Griffin and George Limited Grimes , William Francis , 1905-1988 , archaeologist Grove , W P , fl 1956-1957 Gurr , Joyce , fl 1961-1963 Haddow , Sir , Alexander , 1907-1976 , Knight , pathologist Halliwell , H F , fl 1963-1965 Harrington , John L , fl 1959-1961 Harrison , Pauline , fl 1957-1958 Harrison , R J , fl 1960-1961 Hartley , Sir , Harold Brewer , 1878-1972 , Knight , chemical engineer Hartree , Douglas Rayner , 1897-1958 , physicist Hatfield , W H , fl 1938-1942 Hawthorne , Sir , William Rede , b 1913 , Knight , Professor of Applied Thermodynamics Hedvall , J Avrid , fl 1948-1966 Heffernan , P , fl 1932-1935 Hemming , Henry Harold , 1893-1976 , Honorary President of the Field Survey Association Hemptinne , M , De , fl 1957-1957 x De Hemptinne , M Henry , N F M , fl 1951-1952 Hickie Borman Grant and Company Limited Hill , Archibald Vivian , 1886-1977 , physiologist Hill , Maurice Neville , 1919-1966 , geophysicist Hirsch , P B , fl 1954-1961 Hodgkin , Dorothy Mary Crowfoot , 1910-1994 , chemist Horne , T de Menten , De , fl 1956-1958 x De Horne , T de Menten Howlett , L E , fl 1941-1942 Hughes , Edward W , fl 1935-1937 Huxley , Andrew Fielding , b 1917 , physiologist Huxley , Hugh Esmor , b 1924 , biologist Imperial Defence College India Ingram , David John Edward , fl 1956-1973 , Dr , physicist Innes , John R , fl 1933-1935 Institute for Science Technology Institute of Metals Institute of Physics Institut International de Physique Solvay Institution of Royal Engineers International Association of University Professors and Lecturers International Crystal Structure Tables International Union of Crystallography Iron and Steel Institution Ito , Tei-ichi , fl 1934-1968 , mineralogist Jack , K H , fl 1956-1956 , [physicist] Jaeger , F M , fl 1920-1935 , Dutch chemist James , Anne , fl 1964-1967 James , Reginald William , 1891-1964 , physicist Jay , A H , fl 1939-1944 Jay , Audrey E , fl 1947-1947 Jensen , A , Tovborg- , fl 1938-1958 , Danish chemist x Tovborg-Jensen , A Jones , B , Mouat , fl 1942-1945 , Professor x Mouat Jones , B Jones , Mair , fl 1939-1941 Jones , Reginald Victor , 1911-1997 , scientist Jones , Sir , Harold , Spencer , 1890-1961 , Knight , Astronomer Royal x Spencer Jones , Sir , Harold Kaye , George William Clarkson , 1880-1941 , physicist Kendrew , Sir , John Cowdery , 1917-1997 , Knight , biologist Kennedy , Alexander , fl 1959-1960 Kipping , Sir , Norman Victor , 1901-1979 , Knight , Director General of the Federation of British Industry Laithwaite , Eric R , 1921-1997 , electrical engineer Laue , Max , Von , 1879-1960 , theoretical physicist x Von Laue , Max Leakey , Louis Seymour Bazett , 1903-1972 , anthropologist Lee , Kenneth , fl 1938-1954 , Chairman of Tootal Broadhurst Lee Company Limited Leigh , John A , fl 1942-1943 Lewis , John L , fl 1968-1971 Lipson , Henry Soloman , b 1910 , physicist Littlebury and Company Limited Littler , T S , fl 1938-1944 Lockspeiser , Sir , Ben , 1891-1990 , Knight , aeronautical scientist London Longman Group Limited Lonsdale , Dame , Kathleen , 1903-1971 , née Yardley , chemist and crystallographer x Yardley , Kathleen Lovell , Sir , Alfred Charles Bernard , b 1913 , Knight , astronomer MacCullum , F O , fl 1956-1959 Mackay , D M , fl 1964-1965 Mackenzie , Chalmers Jack , 1888-1984 , civil engineer Macleod , M N , fl 1930-1937 Macqueen Film Organisation Limited Magnetism Manchester Association of Engineers Manchester Luncheon Club Manchester Whitworth Gallery Marsden , Ernest , 1889-1970 , physicist Martin , D C , fl 1957-1960 Mason , C C , fl 1939-1941 Massey , Sir , Harrie Stewart Wilson , 1908-1983 , Knight , physicist McCance , H , fl 1937-1948 McCaw , G T , fl 1929-1936 McCrea , Sir , William Hunter , 1904-1999 , Knight , mathematician and astronomer McGowan , George , fl 1964-1968 McGraw-Hill Book Company Incorporated McKerrow , G , fl 1929-1933 Mead , Margaret , 1901-1978 , American anthropologist Medawer , Sir , Peter Brian , 1915-1987 , Knight , scientist Medical Research Council Meek , J M , fl 1944-1944 Meiners , Harry F , fl 1962-1963 Mellanby , Kenneth , 1908-1993 , entomologist Menuhin , Yehudi , 1916-1999 , Baron Menuhin , violinist Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Company Ministry of Information Ministry of Supply Molecular biology Monteath , John Robertson , 1900-1989 , chemist Moore , G E , fl 1931-1965 Mott , Sir , Neville Francis , 1905-1996 , Knight , physicist Muller , A , fl 1930-1938 Murray , Sir , John , 1884-1967 , Knight , publisher Myers , J E , fl 1938-1945 Nature Nelson , Edmund H , fl 1946-1947 Nelson, Thomas and Sons Limited Newton , Eric , 1893-1965 , art critic Nobel Foundation North America Nottingham Bluecoat School Nuffield Foundation Nuttall , J M , fl 1938-1945 Nyholm , Sir , Ronald Sydney , 1917-1971 , Knight , chemist Oceania Oil and Colour Chemists' Association Olby , Robert Cecil , b 1933 , historian of science Oliphant , Sir , Marcus Lawrence Elwin , 1901-2000 , Knight , physicist Oliver , D A , fl 1940-1953 Oppenheimer , Julius Robert , 1904-1967 , physicist Oriel , John Augustus , 1896-1968 , chemist Orowan , Egon , 1902-1989 , physicist Ottawa Page , D L , fl 1963-1964 Pain Research Association Pall Mall Deposit and Forwarding Company Pantin , Carl Frederick Abel , 1899-1967 , biologist Paris , Sir , Edward Talbot , 1889-1985 , Knight Paterson , C C , fl 1929-1939 Paterson , H , fl 1940-1943 Pauling , Linus Carl , 1901-1994 , chemist Peierls , Sir , Rudolf Ernst , 1907-1995 , Knight , physicist Pepinsky , Ray , fl 1912-1961 , physicist Pergamon Press Limited Perrin , Sir , Michael Willcox , 1905-1988 , Knight , scientist Perutz , Max Ferdinand , b 1914 , biologist Phillips , David C , 1924-1999 , Baron Phillips of Ellesmere , chemist x Phillips of Ellesmere , Baron Philosophical Magazine Philpot , A J , fl 1939-1949 Physical Society Pippard , Sir , Alfred Brian , b 1920 , Knight , physicist Pitt , Norman P , fl 1941-1964 Polani , Paul Emanuel , b 1914 , physician Polanyi , Michael , 1891-1976 , Hungarian physical chemist and author Portugal Powell , Cecil Frank , 1903-1969 , physicist Preston , George Dawson , 1896-1972 , physicist Price , Derek John da Solla , 1922-1983 , historian of science Prigogine , Ilya , b 1917 , Belgian-American physical chemist and Nobel Prize winner Radzinovicz , Leon , fl 1957-1958 Randall , Sir , John Turton , 1905-1984 , Knight , physicist Rankine , Alexander Oliver , 1881-1956 , scientist and secretary of the Royal Institution of Great Britain Ratcliffe , John Ashworth , 1902-1987 , physicist R B Pullin and Company Limited Rideal , Sir , Eric Keightley , 1890-1974 , Knight , physical chemist Roberson , E C , fl 1957-1958 Robinson , Sir , Robert , 1886-1975 , Knight , organic chemist Robinson , Stanford , 1904-1984 , chorus master Rodd , E H , fl 1921-1937 Rogers , G L , fl 1950-1954 Rosbaud , O , fl 1936-1938 Rothamstead Experimental Station , Lawes Agricultural Trust Rothery , William , Hume- , 1899-1968 , metallurgist x Hume-Rothery , William Royal Institute of Chemistry Royal Institution of Great Britain Royal Society Royal Society of Edinburgh Runcorn , Stanley Keith , 1922-1995 , physicist Ryle , Sir , Martin , 1918-1984 , Knight , Astronomer Royal and physicist Saha , N N , fl 1964-1988 , Indian herbalist and gemologist Sampson Low Marston and Company Limited Sanger , Frederick , b 1918 , molecular biologist Sayer , A P , fl 1939-1940 Sayers , Dorothy Leigh , 1893-1957 , novelist and translator x Fleming , Dorothy Leigh Schonland , Sir , Basil Ferdinand Jamieson , 1896-1972 , Knight , nuclear physicist Schools Science and Technology Committee Science Science Museum Scott , Sir , Terence Charles Stuart , Morrison- , 1908-1991 , Knight , naturalist and author x Morrison-Scott , Sir , Terence Charles Stuart Sell , P D , fl 1954-1954 Shenstone , Allen Goodrich , 1893-1980 , spectroscopist Shoenberg , David , b 1911 , physicist Siegbahn , Karl Manne Georg , 1886-1978 , physicist Smith , Cyril Stanley , 1903-1992 , historian of technology Smith , Frank Edward , 1876-1970 , scientist Smith , Kenneth Manley , 1892-1981 , botanist and entomologist Snoad , Brian , fl 1957-1959 Snow , Charles Percy , 1905-1980 , Baron Snow , novelist and physicist x Snow , C P Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding South Africa South Asia Southern Africa Squires , C , Stephenson , fl 1948-1951 x Stephenson Squires , C St Andrews University Stang , Louis , fl 1967-1968 Stoke-on-Trent Association of Engineers Stopford , Sir , John Sebastian Bach , 1888-1961 , 1st Baron Stopford of Fallowfield , neurologist x Stopford of Fallowfield , 1st Baron Sutherland , Sir , Gordon Brims Black McIvor , 1907-1980 , Knight , physicist Sutton , Leslie E , fl 1957-1958 Sutton , Sir , Oliver Graham , 1903-1977 , Knight , physicist Swallow , John C , fl 1935-1949 Swann , Michael Meredith , 1920-1990 , Baron Swann , biologist x Swann , Baron Swedish Royal Academy of Science Sykes , Sir , Charles , 1905-1982 , Knight , physicist Szabo , Gabor , Naray- , fl 1930-1938 , Hungarian biochemist x Naray-Szabo , Gabor Taylor , Charles Alfred , b 1922 , physicist Taylor , Geoffrey Ingram , 1886-1975 , physicist Temperley , H N V , fl 1946-1965 Terry , Alice , fl 1949-1964 Terry , Sir , Henry Machu , Imbert- , 1854-1938 , Baronet , historian and author x Imbert-Terry , Henry Machu Thomas , H A , fl 1959-1959 Thompson , Sir , Harold Warris , 1908-1983 , Knight , chemist Thomson , George , fl 1955-1956 Thomson , Sir , George Paget , 1892-1975 , Knight , physicist Thresher and Glenny Limited Tizard , Sir , Henry Thomas , 1885-1959 , Knight , chemist Todd , Alexander Robertus , 1907-1997 , Baron Todd of Trumpington , chemist x Todd of Trumpington , Baron Tolansky , Samuel , 1907-1973 , physicist Tolliday , Joan , fl 1956-1957 Tootal Broadhurst Lee Company Limited Toy , Francis Carter , 1892-1988 , physicist Tutton , Alfred Edwin Howard , 1864-1938 , crystallographer UK Underwood , Eric H , fl 1957-1958 University of Cambridge x Cambridge University University of Edinburgh x Edinburgh University USA Vonberg , D D , fl 1956-1958 Waddington , Conrad Hall , 1905-1975 , geneticist Wain , Robert L , fl 1956-1999 , biologist Wakefield , Corinne , fl 1969-1970 , secretary to William Lawrence Bragg Walters , S M , fl 1954-1954 War Office Warren , B E , fl 1928-1930 Wasastjerna , J A , fl 1937-1937 Watson , James D , b 1928 , molecular biologist Weaver , Warren , 1894-1978 , mathematician Western Europe West , J , fl 1933-1938 Westoll , Thomas Stanley , 1912-1995 , geologist Whiddington , Richard , 1885-1970 , physicist Wilkins , Maurice Hugh Frederick , b 1916 , molecular biologist Wilkinson , L P , fl 1964-1970 Williams , E J , fl 1933-1937 Williams , Leslie Pearce , b 1927 , US historian of science Wilson , A J C , fl 1943-1968 Wind , Edgar , 1900-1971 , art historian Wood , W A , fl 1939-1944 Wooster , W A , fl 1930-1940 Worthington , Edgar Barton , b 1905 , biologist Wrazej , W J , fl 1949-1952 X-rays Yorkshire Council for Further Education Young , G , Mackworth , fl 1953-1954 x Mackworth Young , G Young , John Zachary , 1907-1997 , biologist Zachariasen , W H , fl 1930-1937 Zemann , Josef , fl 1953-1967 , Austrian mineralogist Zuckerman , Solly , 1904-1993 , Baron Zuckerman , scientist x Zuckerman of Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk , Baron Organisation and management

The papers of Sir William Lawrence Bragg were transferred from his office at the RI and also donated by the Bragg family after his death.

Papers of Sir William Lawrence Bragg include: (Box1-Box5) speeches and lectures 1942-1971 (some undated), (Box6) civil service lectures 1964-1966 and (Box7-Box9) school lecture notes 1959-1970, relate to topics such as x-ray analysis, science and industry, science in education, the structure of minerals, atoms and molecules, electricity, light, the Royal Institution of Great Britain (RI) and various acceptance speeches for medals. (Box10) Honours and appointments 1936-1971, relate to correspondence and certificates for honours and positions received from various institutions such as the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge and the Royal Society; also includes letters of congratulations for the honours including that of being knighted in 1941. (Box11) Royal Institution relates to salaries, contracts and organisation. (Box12) James Watson's book 1966-1968, relates to correspondence between Watson and Lawrence, as well as other correspondents; reviews and amendments to the book by Watson called The Double Helix. (Box13) Nobel Prizes relates to papers and correspondence over speeches and nominations for the Nobel Prizes (Note these papers are closed until 2021). (Box14) Private correspondence, references, testimonials and Royal Society Fellowships 1954-1984, relate to various issues including writing references for people, personal life and proposals for Fellows of the Royal Society. (Box15) Retirement, appointments, RI internal affairs, Westgate covenant and salaries. (Box16-Box18) Articles 1955-1969, relate to various articles written by Lawrence for newspapers and journals such as the Times Educational Supplement, Acta Crystallographica and New Scientist. (Box19) Visits to the USA 1925-1935, include articles and correspondence relating to visits to institutions in America; writing articles and general RI administration. Several boxes contain various papers including: (Box20) correspondence with Joseph J. Thomson; a report on the (Michael) Faraday film by S R Eade of 1932; a diary of a visit to South Africa; correspondence 1965, relating to the 50th anniversary of winning the Nobel Prize in 1915; correspondence relating to R J Seeger's paper on Michael Faraday; papers relating to the Rutherford Memorial Lecture of 1958 and papers relating to the Bragg Lecture Fund for the RI; (Box 21) correspondence relating to tape recordings of Lawrence in interviews; articles for Nuclear Applications, Acta Crystallographica and others 1967-1968; articles and correspondence for Scientific American 1965-1971 relating to x-ray crystallography; correspondence regarding the writing of a new edition of The Atomic Structure of Minerals by Lawrence,1954-1967 relating to the crystal structures of minerals; (Box22) correspondence relating to Lawrence Bragg's 80th birthday celebrations, 1968-1971; correspondence relating to Isaac Newton and astrolabes; correspondence relating to Lawrence writing the book The Development of X-Ray Analysis; correspondence relating to Lawrence writing a book about physics called Ideas and Discoveries in Physics; (Box23) BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) correspondence 1954-1960, relates to broadcasts made by Lawrence; correspondence relating to the television programme '50 Years a Winner' about the anniversary of winning the Nobel Prize in 1965; (Box24) letters of congratulation from Lawrence to other people 1954-1969; correspondence relating to the editorial board of the Contemporary Physics publication 1964-1969; (Box25) correspondence relating to 'cranks', people who were not genuine or asked for information unrelated to Lawrence's work; correspondence 1962-1971, relating to a new edition of The Crystalline State book by Lawrence; papers relating to a visit to Czechoslovakia 1968-1969; (Box26) papers relating to the disposal of scientific books and journals 1962-1971; papers relating to the distribution of reprints of articles 1967-1969; correspondence 1966-1971, relating to the RI 'Library of Science' series on science subjects reproducing other publications such as the Proceedings of the Royal Institution; (Box27) correspondence with the Field Survey Association 1948-1971, relating to Lawrence's work during the World Wars; Sound Ranging in the 1914-1918 War, refers to papers of 1966-1969 relating to the subject; correspondence on the bubble model film 1954-1971, relating to the silent film on the 'Bubble Model of a Metal' by Lawrence; (Box28) general correspondence 1966-1971, relating to making films of lectures and scientific topics such as x-ray crystallography and molecules and life, by various companies such as the BBC, Anvil Films Limited and the Educational Foundation for Visual Arts; film scripts and correspondence for 'The Nature of Things' series of six broadcasts from the RI by Lawrence for the BBC 1959-1968; (Box29) correspondence 1965-1968, relating to scientific lectures at the Imperial Defence College and Lawrence's involvement in giving them; correspondence 1956-1970, relating to the Institute of Physics and the Physical Society on issues such as naming a medal after Lawrence Bragg; (Box30) invitations to dinners and lectures at numerous institutions, 1966-1971; (Box31) correspondence 1955-1971, relating to functions, articles, books and work for the Lee-Hemming Fellowship Fund, the Lucretian Club, films of school lectures, the Medical Research Council and miscellaneous papers regarding publishers and societies; (Box32) papers and correspondence relating to the Honorary Scientific Advisory Committee of the National Gallery 1955-1970, publications for the New Knowledge journal 1965-1966, 'nice letters to keep' kept by Lawrence 1963-1971, the 50th anniversary of the Nobel Prize won in 1915, 1964-1966, the Nobel Prize winners Max Perutz, John Kendrew, Francis Crick, James Watson and Maurice Wilkins, the Nobel meeting at Lindau in 1971 and obituaries by and information from Lawrence1961-1971; (Box33) lists of publications 1913-1969; press correspondence and cuttings 1955-1968; requests for reprints 1958-1964; correspondence relating to research 1953-1971; (Box34) reviews of papers 1947-1970; correspondence relating to the RI 1966-1971; correspondence and papers relating to the Royal Society and Club 1957-1971; (Box35) correspondence relating to the Royal Society soirées 1965-1968; correspondence relating to the Schools Science and Technology Committee 1969; correspondence relating to Solvay Physics Conferences 1933, 1962-1970; correspondence relating to Trinity College Cambridge 1951-1971; correspondence relating to visitors from overseas 1954-1962; (Box36) a card index to old files of Lawrence's; (Box37) family correspondence 1888-1941; (Box38) correspondence relating to appointments 1954-1962; correspondence relating to giving lectures and writing papers 1939-1960; requests for articles 1959-1967; (Box39) correspondence relating to lectures demonstrations for the American Association of Physics Teachers 1962-1963; correspondence relating to an article in the Saturday Evening Post, the bomb detector and with A. J. Bradley 1938-1963; (Box40) correspondence and scripts for broadcasts 1938-1953; (Box41) correspondence relating to Lawrence as a Canadian liaison 1940-1946; (Box42) correspondence relating to publications and becoming Cavendish Professor of Physics 1938-1963; (Box43) correspondence relating to publications by Lawrence 1921-1937; (Box44) correspondence relating to the English Speaking Union of the Commonwealth, with P. P. Ewald, short films by Lawrence, funds for physicists and the Gemmological Association of Great Britain 1954-1968; (Box45) invitations to functions 1947-1953; (Box46) correspondence relating to the Higher Technical Education Committee, hospital expenses incurred by Lawrence, broadcasts and the Institute of Physics 1943-1965; (Box47) correspondence relating to the Gold medal of the Institution of Royal Engineers, international crystal structure tables and invitations to lecture 1932-1964; (Box48) invitations, correspondence relating to obituaries for R. W. James, papers for the Lawes Agricultural Trust Committee 1953-1968; (Box49/a) correspondence relating to lightning conductors 1959; (Box49/b-c, Box50-Box54/a) miscellaneous correspondence from various recipients on various aspects of Lawrence's work and life, 1942-1968; (Box54/b-c) correspondence relating to the Nuffield Science Project 1963-1965; correspondence with Ray Pepinsky on visits and x-ray analysis 1957-1958; (Box55) correspondence relating to the Pepinsky machine for x-ray analysis, publications and articles, the Physical Society, broadcasting and with Derek J. de Solla Price 1941-1969; (Box56-Box57) personal correspondence of Lawrence Bragg 1944-1966; (Box58-Box59/b) references and testimonials by Lawrence 1925-1958; (Box59/c) letter from J. A. Darbyshire 1932; (Box60) reviews of publications 1933-1946; (Box61) correspondence relating to the Royal Institution Appeal 1966-1968; (Box62/a-b) correspondence relating to RI lectures by Lawrence and others 1938-1952; (Box62/c-Box63/b) texts and notes of RI lectures and speeches 1952-1954; (Box63/c-d, Box64/a) correspondence relating to the Royal Photographic Society and the Royal Society Tercentenary, with press cuttings, 1955-1961; (Box64/b) correspondence relating to the Solvay conferences 1959-1961; (Box65) correspondence and papers relating to the Field Survey Association and the War Office, 1919-1940; (Box66) correspondence and reports relating to sound ranging for the war effort, 1940-1946; (Box67) correspondence relating to 'The Nature of Things' television series 1959-1965; correspondence relating to the Understanding Science magazine, the London International Youth Science Fortnight and London Science Club 1962-1968; (Box68-Box70) correspondence and papers relating to overseas visits to countries such as Portugal, South Africa, Canada, Berlin and India, 1941-1968; (Box71-Box79) research notes and correspondence on topics such as x-ray optics, silicates, alloys, order-disorder and heat curves, 1919-1953; (Box80) desk diaries 1966-1970; (Box81) pocket diaries 1951-1971; (Box82-Box86) correspondence and papers on the International Exhibition, Brussels 1958 including papers on exhibits from the UK to be transported to Brussels for example the 'atom exhibit', the 'crystal exhibit' and the 'living cell exhibit', 1956-1959, with letters to and from William Henry Bragg of 1913-1914; (Box87) material including photographs and ephemera collected by Lawrence for his autobiography; (Box88-Box91) RI administrative files including correspondence, applications for tickets, applications for grants for the Davy-Faraday Research Laboratory, Managers' minutes and papers, school science lectures and Christmas lectures, 1953-1965; (Box92) reprints of papers by Lawrence's students and colleagues 1919-1970; (Box93) correspondence relating to the Friday Evening Discourses at the RI 1954-1967.

Some accruals expected.

As outlined in the scope and content field. Some material is uncatalogued. Some material forms part of the Sir William Henry Bragg collection at the RI.

Access to bona fide researchers by appointment with the Keeper of the Collections or the Assistant Archivist, the Royal Institution of Great Britain (RI). Conditions may apply. All users will be required to sign a declaration of use on their first visit. Papers relating to Nobel Prizes are closed until 2021.

Reproduction of material is permitted at the discretion of the Keeper of the Collections, RI. Conditions may apply.

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English

Catalogue at the RI.

Other papers of Sir William Lawrence Bragg are located at: Royal Artillery Institution (reference: MD/364); Oxford University Bodleian Library Special Collections and Western Manuscripts (reference: SPSL, NCUACS 47/3/94 and NCUACS 45/1/94); Medical Research Council; Cambridge University Churchill Archives Centre (reference: BLRD, CHAD I 24/2, IV 1/6, AVHL); Oxford University Nuffield College Library (reference: Cherwell papers); Cambridge University Library Department of Manuscripts and University Archives (reference: CSA C90/1/83, MSS A. 184, D.2); Rice University Woodson Research Centre, Texas, USA (reference: Julian S Huxley papers); Leeds University Brotherton Library (reference: MS 333); Imperial War Museum Department of Documents (reference: HTT); Cambridge University Archives (reference: CAV). The Royal Institution of Great Britain holds portraits and a model of the structure of lysozyme, of Sir William Lawrence Bragg.

Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.

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