Roger Adams:

An Inventory of the Papers of Roger Adams at the University of Illinois Archives.


Previous: Dictated Statements, 1964

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Tape-Recorded Interviews, 1964-65 and August 8, 1967
Box
9Tape I Tape-recorded interview of Professor Roger Adams by Mrs. Jennifer Johnson of WILL, August 8, 1967
1-2 Introduction
3-17 Professor Arthur Palmer was first head of the Chemistry Department. He had wide European experience. He continued research on organic arsenic compounds.
18-28 Professor William A. Noyes came from the Bureau of Standards and had a background in editing and research. He found a college and worked to build a graduate training program. He watched quality of teaching and students.
29-49 World War I created difficulties. Staff members left for the chemical interests. By 1916, Professor Clarence Derick (organic chemistry) and Professor Washburn (chemical engineering) were left. Others left for industry. Noyes hire Richard Tolman and Roger Adams. Called away on war work. I came back.
50-62 Many students wanted to study chemistry. Noyes appointed William Rose to replace Lewis, who went to Michigan. Worth Rodebush and George L. Clark (analytical chemistry).
63-65 This group, including C.S. Marvel after I became department head in 1926, continued for many years.
66-76 Consistency and cooperation in chemistry under Noyes and Adams. Work with the individual graduate student. Student welfare was put ahead of research accomplishments.
77-83 Noyes' attitude toward graduate training characterized by careful selection of students and staff.
84-92 Noyes was distinguished, religious, dignified and could take kidding.
93-100 Noyes laid the foundation of the department.
101-114 Fellowships and scholarships were scarce. Two or three fellowships. One given by Robert Carr. Student financial help consisted of small fellowships through the graduate school and teaching appointments.
115-120 University has been generous to the Chemistry Department. Also the government agencies.
Tape II Interview of Roger Adams by John B. Mellecker, Historian of Chemists' Club of New York City , 11/20/64, 2/12/65, 3/15/65, probably late July1965 and possibly October, 1965   ca. 160 minutes
Side I
25 Value of Chemists' Club of New York City for Adams and other chemists.
40 New York City as a center for chemists.
50 Adams' education, chemists he met in Germany before World War I teaching at Harvard and Radcliffe, acceptance of position at University of Illinois.
80 Teaching at Harvard and Radcliffe, acceptance of position at University of Illinois.
85 Work for Chemical Warfare Service in World War I.
100 Positions held at University of Illinois.
103 Work as member of National Defenses Research Committee during World War II.
107 Scientific Advisor to Deputy Military Governor of Germany, General Lucius D. Clay, after World War II, state of German science after the war.
120 Chairman of Scientific Advisory Group to General MacArthur in Japan after World War II.
148 Comparison of German and Japanese science after the war, changes in the practices of Japanese science since the war, potential of Japanese science.
190 Changes in German science education since the war.
205 Contacts with leading foreign chemists.
210 Adams' Ph.D. students.
220 Adams' accomplishments and awards, major contribution to chemistry - his students, his papers.
255 Financial support for his research programs and post-graduate assistants.
280 Policy on the training of graduate students.
285 Selection of his fields of research.
300 Marihuana research.
330 Lack of modern equipment for research in Adams' period of activity.
360 Adams' first visit to Chemists' Club.
385 Receipt of National Medal of Science, telegram from L. B. Johnson.
420 Medal of Merit.
425 Other medals received by Adams.
445 Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, work with British government during World War II.
450 Acquaintance with Sir Robert Robinson.
460&485 Adams' work with National Defense Research Committee during World War II.
475 Beginnings of government support for research (NSF).
500 Important discoveries made by NDRC Chemistry Division during World War II.
530 Medical chemistry research of NDRC.
545 Liaison with British scientists, British contributions to research and development during the war.
588 Sir Robert Robinson's character, achievements, and reputation.
660 Anecdote about Robinson.
705 Adams' attitudes towards basic vs. applied research.
735 Industrial research vs. University research.
750 The high cost of research.
770 Problem of getting scientists to work together as teams and fit into society, contributions of individuals versus contributions of groups to new developments.
830 Administration of research and researchers, selection of scientists for research in groups, importance of an administrator's getting along with businessmen.
950 W. H. Carothers.
980; 995 Adams' broad interests; Adams' first contacts with important leaders.
1010 State of chemistry in U. S. shortly before and after World War I, origins of American Chemical Society and Institute of Chemical Engineers.
1070 Why Adams went into organic chemistry and teaching - his education and early teaching career at Harvard and in Germany.
1135 Association between Adams and the chemical industry - his students and friends, E.K. Bolton and Du Pont.
1185 Adams' consultantships - Du Pont, Abbott Labs.
Side II
1 E. H. Volwiler at Abbott Labs.
12 Originality in students, role of education in developing man's potential.
30 Reasons for his and his students' success: hard work, good memory.
70 Adams' ability to identify students who will succeed.
85 Importance of getting along with people, role of Chemists' Club.
110 How Chemists' Club can help members more.
135&275 Chemical literature - problems of its bulk.
165 Specialization in chemistry.
190 General review symposia on special topics.
195 Welch symposium on biochemistry in 1964.
210 Progress in ability to predict the physiological characteristics of organic compounds.
260 Areas that need more coordinated and more extensive research.
265 Electronic apparatus - recording and retrieval of information.
290 Literature in analytical chemistry, chromatography.
305 End.


Next: William Lycan Retirement Dinner, January 1969