http://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/tf8r29n9ww
No online items
Guide to the C.B. van Niel Papers
machine-readable finding aid created by Hui-chi Lo
Stanford University. Libraries.Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Stanford, California
2000
Copyright © 2015 The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. All rights reserved.
Note
This encoded finding aid is compliant with Stanford EAD Best Practice Guidelines, Version 1.0.
Guide to the C.B. van Niel Papers
SC0325
1
Overview
Call Number: SC0325
Creator: Niel, Cornelis Bernardus van, 1897-1986
Title: C.B. van Niel papers
Dates: 1923-1977
Physical Description: 6.25 Linear feet
Language(s): The materials are in English.
Repository: Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford, CA 94305-6064
Email: specialcollections@stanford.edu
Phone: (650) 725-1022
URL: http://library.stanford.edu/spc
Custodial History
Gift of the estate of C.B. van Niel,1985
Information about Access
None.
Ownership & Copyright
Property rights reside with the repository. Literary rights reside with the creators of the documents or their heirs. To obtain
permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the Public Services Librarian of the Dept. of Special Collections and
University Archives.
Cite As
[Identification of item], C.B. van Niel Papers, SC 325, Stanford University Archives, Stanford, Calif.
Biography
In 1929, Dr. C. B. van Niel (1897-1985) started his career as an associate professor at the Jacques Loeb Laboratory, Hopkins
Marine Station, Stanford University. He was appointed Herzstein Professor of Microbiology in 1946.
Dr. van Niel received his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Technical University, Delft, in 1923; in 1928 he
was conferred a doctoral degree from the same University. His research, after coming to the Marine Station, was concerned
mainly with photosynthesis, photosynthetic bacteria, and bacterial taxonomy. However, Dr. van Niel--Kees to his colleagues
and students-- was interested in a much broader spectrum of questions and encouraged investigations on wider range of
phenomena in his laboratory. His lectures attracted not only Stanford students, but students around the country. The
numerous well-written lecture/seminar notes in this collection, mostly with diagrams and images that he planed to draw on
blackboard, illuminate how well he prepared for these lectures. Although he enjoyed a friendly relationship with these
students, the "gang", he was rigorous in their academic training. A long letter (hand-written first and then typed) to one of
his doctoral students with detailed instruction on the student's dissertation shows van Niel as a serious and responsible
professor.
By devoting an enormous amount of time translating articles published by Dr. Kluyver, van Niel's advisor at Technical
University, and Dr. Pringsheim, van Niel showed his gratitude and respect to his senior microbiologists and their works.
Same attitude can be seen from publications of the later part of his career. In these articles he analyzed old and current
articles on the subject he was dealing with and provided well-woven stories on research history. Probably because of his
appreciation of history, (among his papers is a bibliography on American history, possibly given to him by a history
professor) he wrote an autobiography, "The Education of a Microbiologist: Some Reflections." (1967), which sums up his
major scientific achievements and his teaching career.
Dr. van Niel also actively participated in academic/professional associations such as the Society of American Bacteriologists
in the 1950s and the American Type Culture Collections in the 1960s. However, as he recalled in his autobiography, these
and other activities were taking up too much of his time and gradually made direct participation in experimental study
difficult. He finally decided to retire from the Marine Station in 1962. From 1964 to 1968 he taught at U.C. Santa Cruz as a
visiting professor. After 1972, he threw out his collection of reprints and scientific books and totally gave up research and
teaching. Death took him in 1985.
Scope and Content
Guide to the C.B. van Niel Papers
SC0325
2
The van Niel papers primarily document C. B. van Niel's career at the Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University, his
participation in preeminent scientific associations, and his role as a leader in the field of microbiology. The papers include
ATCC documents, teaching materials, research notes, publications, correspondences, photographs, audiotapes, and
medals.
The American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) papers delineate activities of the association when van Niel served as a board
member in the early 1960s. Teaching Materials include course outlines, exam questions, lecture notes, and seminar notes,
written between 1929 and 1968. Publications include his articles published from 1923 to 1972. Many of the hand-written
drafts and galley proofs accompany these publications. The records of van Niel's research in the Yellowstone National Park,
including admission letter, experimental summary, notes, and drafts, are grouped together under the article's title, Report
on Preliminary Observations on the Microflora in and Near the Hot Spring in Yellowstone National Part and Their Importance
for the Geological Formation, to preserve its entirety. Research Files mainly comprise his experimental summaries,
experimental procedures, notes, charts, and bibliographies. Van Niel's correspondence (1924-1977) centers on themes of
research, publication, and student's dissertations. One exception is a letter to his son on personal matters. Correspondents
include C. E. Clifton (1904- ), Seymour S. Cohen (1919- ), Lois Epel, Helge Larsen, Jack London [a student from UCLA], Beryl
V. Daniel, J. R. Porter, Hosmer W. Stone, and Charles H. Walkinshaw.
When compiling SELECTED PAPERS OF E.G. PRINGSHEIM, van Niel corresponded with Dr. Pringsheim, Mrs. Pringsheim,
Selman A. Waksman (1888-1973), and Vernon Bryson (1913- ) between 1960 and 1964. These letters, together with the
galley proofs for this book, are put under the series of SELECTED PAPERS OF E.G. PRINGSHEIM. Dr. Kluyver's Birthday
Celebration and Obituary includes van Niel's writings about his teacher, Dr. Kluyver (1888-1956), the telegram to van Niel
about Kluyver's death in 1956, and many obituaries written by other scholars.
The photographs files include images of microbiology, people (mostly scholars) and landscapes. Important medals van Niel
won from 1939 to 1977 demonstrate him as a leading figure in science. Audiotapes recorded van Niel's 1962 lectures on
experiments. Oversized Materials are certificates of honorary doctoral degree, honorary member, and award.
Access Terms
American Type Culture Collection..
Bryson, Vernon,, 1913Clifton, C. E.,, 1904Cohen, Seymour S., (Seymour Stanley), 1917Daniel, Beryl V.
Epel, Lois.
Hopkins Marine Station -- General subdivision--Faculty.;
Larsen, Helge.
London, Jack,, 1876-1916.
Porter, J. R.
Pringsheim, Ernst G., (Ernst Georg), 1881Stone, Hosmer W.
Waksman, Selman A., (Selman Abraham), 1888-1973.
Walkinshaw, Charles H.
Algae.
Bacteria--Classification.
Biochemistry.
Candida albicans.
Microbiology.
Photosynthesis.
Photosynthetic bacteria.
Box 1, Folder 1
Box 1, Folder 2
Box 1, Folder 3
American Type Culture Collection (ATCC)
Budgets, 1960
Budgets, 1961-1962
Budgets, 1963
Guide to the C.B. van Niel Papers
SC0325
3
American Type Culture Collection (ATCC)
Box 1, Folder 4
Box 1, Folder 5
Box 1, Folder 6
Budgets, 1964-1965 / Unknown Dates
Correspondence
Minutes / Agendas, 1961-1962
Box 1,
Box 1,
Box 1,
Box 1,
Box 1,
Folder 7
Folder 8
Folder 9
Folder 10
Folder 11
Minutes / Agendas, 1962
Personnel Records
Policies / Constitution / Memo / Proposal, 1961-1964
Policies / Constitution / Memo / Proposal, 1961-1964
Reports
Box 1,
Box 2,
Box 2,
Box 2,
Box 2,
Box 2,
Box 2,
Box 2,
Box 2,
Box 2,
Box 2,
Box 3,
Box 3,
Box 3,
Box 3,
Box 3,
Box 3,
Box 3,
Box 3,
Box 3,
Box 3,
Box 4,
Folder 12
Folder 1
Folder 2
Folder 3
Folder 4
Folder 5
Folder 6
Folder 7
Folder 8
Folder 9
Folder 10
Folder 1
Folder 2
Folder 3
Folder 4
Folder 5
Folder 6
Folder 7
Folder 8
Folder 9
Folder 10
Folder 1
1929-1931
1932
1932-1933
1935-1938
1940-1941
1941
1942-1951
1952-1954
1954
1955-1958
1958
1959-1961
1961
1961
1962
1962
1962
1962-1963
1964
1964
1966
Box 4,
Box 4,
Box 4,
Box 4,
Box 4,
Box 4,
Box 4,
Box 4,
Folder 2
Folder 3
Folder 4
Folder 5
Folder 6
Folder 7
Folder 8
Folder 9
1966-1967
1967
1967
1968
1968
1968
1968
Unknown Date
Symposium Programs
Teaching Materials
Box 4, Folder 10
Box 5, Folder 1
Box 5, Folder 2
Unknown Date
Publications
Lists of Dr. Van Niel's Publications; and The Absence of Enhancement (Emerson
Effect) in the Photosynthesis of Rhodospirillum Rubrum, 1963
The Bacterial Photosyntheses and Their Importance for the General Problem of
Photosynthesis, 1941
Box 5, Folder 3
Biochemical Problems of the Chemo-Autotrophic Bacteria, 1943
Box 5, Folder 4
Box 5, Folder 5
Box 5, Folder 7
Box 5, Folder 8
Box 5, Folder 9
The Biochemistry of Bacteria, 1937
The Biochemistry of Micro-Organisms: An Approach to General and Comparative
Biochemistry, 1940
Book Reviews, A Brief Survey of the Photosynthetic Bacteria, 1927,1928, 1952, 1963,
1965, Unknown Date; 1963
Bacteria. Chapter 3 of Ward and Whipple's Freshwater Biology, 1945
Bacteria. Chapter 3 of Ward and Whipple's Freshwater Biology, 1945
A Chemical Approach to the Problem of Biological Syntheses.
Box 5, Folder 10
The Concept of Bacterium, 1962
Box 5, Folder 6
Guide to the C.B. van Niel Papers
SC0325
4
Publications
Box 5, Folder 11
The Comparative Biochemistry of Photosynthesis, Delft School, The Education of a
Microbiologist: Some Reflections, 1949 1949; 1967
Box 5,
Box 6,
Box 6,
Box 6,
The Education of a Microbiologist: Some Reflections, 1967
The Education of a Microbiologist: Some Reflections, 1967
Experiments on Bacterial Denitrification, 1952
Enzymatic Synthesis of Dextian. The Free Amino Groups of the Proteus Flagella
Protein. Insect Microbiology. Introductory Remarks on the Comparative Biochemistry
of Microorganism, 1953
Folder 12
Folder 1
Folder 2
Folder 3
Box 6, Folder 4
Box 6, Folder 5
John M. Prather Lectures, 1955
The Chemistry and Physiology of Growth, Lipmann's Concepts of the Metabolic
Generation and Utilization of Phosphate Bond Energy: A Historical Appreciation,
Lipmann Dedicatory Volume: Notice to Contributors. 1949 1966
Bacterial Metabolism. In McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology,
Bacteriology. In McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, and
Microbiology. In McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, 1960; 1960;
1960
Box 6, Folder 6
Box 6,
Box 6,
Box 6,
Box 6,
Box 6,
Folder 7
Folder 8
Folder 9
Folder 10
Folder 11
The Mechanism of Propionic Acid Formation and Succinate Decarboxylation.
The Microbe as a Whole, 1955
A Note on Pseudomonas Stutzeri, 1952
Microbiology and Molecular Biology, 1966
Microbiology and Molecular Biology, A Note on the Apparent Absence of Azotobacter
in Soils, 1966 1935
Box 7,
Box 7,
Box 7,
Box 7,
Box 7,
Box 7,
Box 7,
Box 7,
Box 7,
Box 8,
Box 8,
Box 8,
Box 8,
Box 8,
Box 8,
Box 8,
Box 8,
Box 8,
Box 8,
Box 8,
Box 8,
Box 8,
Folder 1
Folder 2
Folder 3
Folder 4
Folder 5
Folder 6
Folder 7
Folder 8
Folder 9
Folder 1
Folder 2
Folder 3
Folder 4
Folder 5
Folder 6
Folder 7
Folder 8
Folder 9
Folder 10
Folder 11
Folder 12
Folder 13
On the Mechanism of Ballistospore Discharge, 1972
On the Energetics of the Photosyntheses in Green Sulfur Bacteria, 1952
On the Energetics of the Photosyntheses in Green Sulfur Bacteria, 1952
On the Metabolism of Candida Albicans, 1942
On the Metabolism of Candida Albicans, 1942
On the Metabolism of the Thiorhodaceae, 1936
On the Morphology and Physiology of the Purple and Green Sulfur Bacteria, 1931
On the Morphology and Physiology of the Purple and Green Sulfur Bacteria, 1931
On the Morphology and Physiology of the Purple and Green Sulfur Bacteria, 1931
On the Morphology and Physiology of the Purple and Green Sulfur Bacteria, 1931
On the Photochemical Reduction of Nitrate by Algae, 1953
On Photosynthesis in the Presence of Hydroxylamine.
On the Purple Bacteria and Their Significance for the Study of Photosynthesis, 1931
On the Purple Bacteria and Their Significance for the Study of Photosynthesis, 1931
On Radicalism and Conservatism in Science, 1955
Photosynthetic Process of Purple Bacteria.
Photosynthesis of Bacteria, 1930
Prospects for a Natural System of Classification of Bacteria, 1936
Perspectives in Microbiology.
Radioactive Carbon as an Indicator of Carbon Dioxide Utilization, 1942
Reflection on Evaluation and Spontaneous Generation.
Report on Preliminary Observations on the Microflora in and Near the Hot Spring in
Yellowstone National Park and Their Importance for the Geological Formation, 1930
Report on Preliminary Observations on the Microflora in and Near the Hot Spring in
Yellowstone National Park and Their Importance for the Geological Formation, 1930
Report on Preliminary Observations on the Microflora in and Near the Hot Spring in
Yellowstone National Park and Their Importance for the Geological Formation, 1930
Techniques for the Enrichment, Isolation and Maintenance of the Photosynthetic
Bacteria, 1971
Ueber die Beweglichkeit und das Vorkommen von Geiszeln bei einigen Sarcina-Arten,
De wijzen van voortbeweging van Mikroorganismen, Notiz uber die quantitative
Bestimmung von Diacetyl Acetyl-Methylcarbinol, Les Photosyntheses Bacteriennes,
1923 1926 1927 1936
Box 8, Folder 14
Box 8, Folder 15
Box 8, Folder 16
Box 8, Folder 17
Box 9, Folder 1
Articles: Title Unknown.
Research Files
Guide to the C.B. van Niel Papers
SC0325
5
Research Files
Box 9,
Box 9,
Box 9,
Box 9,
Folder 2
Folder 3
Folder 4
Folder 5
Subject,
Subject,
Subject,
Subject,
A-E
F-M
M
M
Box 9, Folder 6
Box 9, Folder 7
Box 9, Folder 8
Subject, N-Q
Subject, R
Subject, R
Box 9, Folder 9
Box 9, Folder 10
Box 10, Folder 1
Box 10, Folder 2
Box 10, Folder 3
Subject, R
Subject, S
Subject, S-V
Subject, W-Z
Notebook
Box 10, Folder 4
Box 10,
Box 10,
Box 10,
Box 10,
Box 10,
Notebooks
Correspondence
Folder 5
Folder 6
Folder 7
Folder 8
Folder 9
Out-going
Out-going
In-coming
In-coming
In-coming
Box 10, Folder Box 11, Folder 1
Box 11,
Box 11,
Box 11,
Box 11,
Box 11,
In-coming Letters, Sender Unknown
Selected Papers of E.G. Pringsheim
Correspondence for Selected Papers of E.G. Pringsheim, Symposium Program,
Symposium in Celebration of Dr. Pringsheim's 80th Birthday, 1960-1961; 1961
Folder 2
Folder 3
Folder 4
Folder 5
Folder 6
Box 11, Folder 7
Box 11, Folder 8
Letters by Dr. Van Niel, 1924, 1942-1952
Letters by Dr. Van Niel, 1955-1977
Letters, A-J
Letters, L
Letters, M-W
Correspondence for Selected Papers of E.G. Pringsheim, 1962-1964
Correspondence for Selected Papers of E.G. Pringsheim, date unknown
Publications and Galley Proofs for Selected Papers of E.G. Pringsheim
Publications and Galley Proofs for Selected Papers of E.G. Pringsheim
Publications and Galley Proofs for Selected Papers of E.G. Pringsheim
Publications and Galley Proofs for Selected Papers of E.G. Pringsheim
Dr. Kluyver's Birthday Celebration and Obituary
"Professor A, J, Kluyver." By Dr. Van Niel, In celebration of Dr. Kluyver's Birthday
Box 11,
Box 12,
Box 12,
Box 12,
Box 12,
Box 12,
Box 12,
Box 12,
Folder 9
Kluyver's Obituaries
Other Scholar's Publications / Papers
Folder 1
Folder 2
Folder 3
Folder 4
Folder 5
Folder 6
Folder 7
Author,
Author,
Author,
Author,
Author,
Author,
Author,
Box 12,
Box 12,
Box 13,
Box 13,
Box 13,
Box 13,
Box 13,
Box 13,
Folder 8
Folder 9
Folder 1
Folder 2
Folder 3
Folder 4
Folder 5
Folder 6
Author, K-L
Author, L
Author, L
Author, M-N
Author, O-Q
Author, R-S
Author, S-W
Author Unknown
Box 13, Folder 7
Box 14, Folder 1
Box 14, Folder 2
Box 14, Folder 3
A-C
C
C
C
C
D-G
H-I
Student Paper, Author Unknown
Photographs
Sporobolomyces Cultures
Sporobolomyces Cultures
Sporobolomyces Cultures
Guide to the C.B. van Niel Papers
SC0325
6
Photographs
Box 14, Folder 4
Box 14, Folder 5
Box 14, Folder 6
Box 15
Microbiology
People
Landscape
Medals
Third International Congress for Microbiology, 1939
Princeton University Bicentennial, 1946
George Westinghouse Centennial, 1946
L'Institut Pasteur, 1955-1956
Scientiae Medicinae Artiqve Salvtari, 1958
Koninklijke Nederlands Akademie van Wetenschappen, 1958
National Academy of Sciences Centennial, 1963
National Academy of Sciences Centennial, 1963
Rumford Medal for Discoveries in Light or Heat, 1967
Rumford Medal for Discoveries in Light or Heat, 1967
American Society for Microbiology, 1974
Deutsche Akademie der Naturforscher Leopoldina, 1977
Emil Chr. Hansen, Unknown Date
Institut Pasteur, Unknown Date
Toegewezen Door de Koninklijke Akademie van Wetenschappen te Amsterdam,
Unknown date
Box 16, Reel 6 (5
of 8)
National Medal of Science, Unknown Date
Audiotapes
Yeast Cake c. viability of cells (Lab I) 6/25/--
Box 16, Reel 9
Box 16, Reel 12 (3
of 4)
Wild Yeast A. Fruit and Flower Yeasts 13 Ham Yeasts (Lab II)
General Yeast Experiments C. Fermentation (Lab III)
Box 16, Reel 13
General Yeast Experiments. C. Fermentation D. Dalmau E. Trigonopsis Variabilis F.
Nuclear Stains G. Sporobolomyces H. Mucor Racemosus (Lab III)
Box 16,
(1of7)
Box 16,
(2of 7)
Box 16,
(4 of 7)
Box 16,
of 7)
Box 16,
of 6)
Box 16,
of 6)
Box 16,
of 6)
Box 16,
of 6)
Reel 14
Lactic Acid Bacteria A-B (Lab IV)
Reel 15
Lactic Acid Bacteria B (Lab IV)
Folder 17
Lactic Acid Bacteria B (Lab IV)
Reel 19(6
Lactic Acid Bacteria C. Experiments With Isolates (Lab IV)
Reel 22 (1
Coliform Bacteria A-B (Lab VI)
Reel 23 (2
Coliform Bacteria B-F Experiments (Lab VI)
Reel 25 (4
Coliform Bacteria F Experiments (Lab VI)
Reel 26 (5
Coliform Bacteria F Experiments (Lab VI)
Box 16,
of 6)
Box 16,
of 3)
Box 16,
of 5)
Box 16,
of 3)
Reel 27 (6
Coliform Bacteria F Experiments (Lab VI)
Reel 28 (1
Acetic Acid Bacteria A-D Experiments With Isolates (Lab VII)
Reel 28 (5
Developmental History of Yeasts (Lecture X) 7/9/62
Reel 29 (2
Acetic Acid Bacteria D. Experiments With Isolates (Lab VII)
Box 16, Reel 30 (2
of 2)
Patterns of Sugar Fermentations by Yeasts (Lecture XI) 7/11/62
Guide to the C.B. van Niel Papers
SC0325
7
Audiotapes
Box 16, Reel 30 (3
of 3)
Acetic Acid Bacteria D. Experiments With Isolates (Lab VII)
Box 16, Reel 31
Box 16, Reel 31 (1
of 4)
Box 16, Reel 32 (2
of 2)
Nitrogen-fixing Bacteria A-E (Lab VIII)
Classification and Nomenclature of Yeasts (Lecture XII) 7/13/62
Box 16, Reel 33
Box 16, Reel 34 (4
of 4)
Corynebacteria, Nocardia, Mycobacteria, Arthobacteria (Lab IX)
Classification and Nomenclature of Yeasts (Lecture XII) 7/13/62
Box 16,
Box 16,
of 3)
Box 16,
of 3)
Box 16,
of 3)
Box 16,
of 3)
Reel 35
Reel 35 (1
Luminous Bacteria (Lab XI)
Lactic Acid Bacteria A (Lecture XIII) 7/11/62
Reel 36 (2
Lactic Acid Bacteria A (Lecture XIII) 7/11/62
Reel 37 (2
Lactic Acid Bacteria A (Lecture XIII) 7/11/62
Reel 37 (3
Lactic Acid Bacteria A, Section 2 Gram Stain (Lecture XIII) 7/11/62
Box 16,
of 3)
Box 16,
of 3)
Box 16,
of 3)
Box 16,
of 1)
Reel 38 (1
Enterobacteriaceae or Coli Group A (Lecture XIV) 7/16/62;7/30/62
Reel 39 (2
Enterobacteriaceae or Coli Group A (Lecture XIV) 7/16/62;7/30/62
Reel 40 (3
Enterobacteriaceae or Coli Group A (Lecture XIV) 7/16/62;7/30/62
Reel 41 (1
Role of Microorganisms in Nature, With Emphasis on Nitrogen Fixation (Lecture XV)
7/16/62
Nitrogen-fixing Bacteria (Lab VIII)
Box 16, Reel 73 (4
of 4)
Box 17
Fermentations of the Enterobacteriaceae (Lecture XXVII) 8/3/62;8/6/62
Oversized Materials
Certificate for the American Society for Microbiology Honorary Member
Diploma for Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws, University of California
Certificate for the National Medal of Science, 1963
Guide to the C.B. van Niel Papers
SC0325
8