http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms001007 Allen Varley Astin Papers A Finding Aid to the Collection in the Library of Congress Prepared by Nan Thompson Ernst and Susie H. Moody Manuscript Division, Library of Congress
Washington, D.C.
1995

Catalog Record: http://lccn.loc.gov/mm87062002

Finding aid encoded by Library of Congress Manuscript Division, 2001 Finding aid written in English. 2010 April Title, controlaccess updated 2004-08-27 converted from EAD 1.0 to EAD 2002 Collection Summary Allen Varley Astin Papers1939-1973 (bulk 1950-1970) MSS62002 Astin, Allen Varley, 1904-1984 25,000 items 66 containers 26 linear feet Collection material in English Manuscript Division Library of Congress
Washington, D.C.
Physicist and director, National Bureau of Standards. Correspondence, memoranda, minutes, agenda, reports, studies, congressional testimony, writings, speeches, conference papers, university teaching and training course records, research data, printed matter, and photographs documenting Astin's career at the National Bureau of Standards, 1928-1969. Selected Search Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the Library's online catalog. They are grouped by name of person or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed alphabetically therein.

 People Astin, Allen Varley, 1904-1984. Astin, John. Organizations United States. National Bureau of Standards. United States. Office of Scientific Research and Development. Subjects Bombardment. Electric apparatus and appliances. Electric insulators and insulation. Electrification. Metric system. Ordnance. Proximity fuzes. Science and state--United States. Science--International cooperation. Telemeter. Weights and measures. World War, 1939-1945--Aerial operations. World War, 1939-1945--England--London. Places Great Britain--Armed Forces. Occupations Physicists. Public officials. Administrative Information Provenance

The papers of Allen Varley Astin, physicist and director of the National Bureau of Standards, were given to the Library of Congress in 1986 by his widow, Margaret Mackenzie Astin.

Additional Guides

A description of the Allen Varley Astin Papers appeared in Library of Congress Acquisitions: Manuscript Division, 1986, p. 55.

Transfers

Audiotapes and motion picture films have been transferred to the Library's Motion Picture, Broadcasting, and Recorded Sound Division where they are identified as part of these papers.

Copyright Status

The status of copyright in the unpublished writings of Allen Varley Astin is governed by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S.C.).

 Access and Restrictions

The papers of Allen Varley Astin are open to research. Researchers are advised to contact the Manuscript Reading Room prior to visiting. Many collections are stored off-site and advance notice is needed to retrieve these items for research use.

 Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Container number, Allen Varley Astin Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

 Biographical Note Date Event 1904, June 12 Born, Salt Lake City, Utah 1925 B.S. in physics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 1926 M.S. in physics, New York University, New York, N.Y. Chemical analyst, American Smelting and Refining Co. , Salt Lake City, Utah 1927 Married Margaret Linnie Mackenzie 1928 Ph.D. in physics, New York University, New York, N.Y. 1928-1930 National Research Council Fellow, National Bureau of Standards Research Fellow, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. 1930-1932 Research associate, Utilities Research Commission, National Bureau of Standards 1932 Associate scientist, Electricity Division, National Bureau of Standards 1936 Physicist, Electricity Division, National Bureau of Standards 1940 Senior physicist, National Bureau of Standards 1943 Chief, Optical Fuse Section, Ordnance Development Division, National Bureau of Standards 1944 Assistant Chief, Ordnance Development Division, National Bureau of Standards 1944-1945 United States representative on proximity fuses in London, England, Office of Scientific Research and Development, Defense Department 1948 Chief, Ordnance Development Division, National Bureau of Standards 1950 Associate Director, National Bureau of Standards 1951 Acting Director, National Bureau of Standards 1952-1969 Director, National Bureau of Standards 1984, Jan. 28 Died, Bethesda, Md. Scope and Content Note

The papers of Allen Varley Astin (1904-1984) span the years 1921-1984 with the bulk of the material concentrated in the period 1950-1970. The collection is organized into three series. The National Bureau of Standards series documents Astin's forty-year career at the bureau, most especially his role as director, 1952-1969. The Professional Activities series documents his association with scientific, academic, governmental, and public administration organizations. A small file concerning his term as acting assistant secretary for science and technology at the Commerce Department is combined with a few family and personal papers into a Miscellany series.

The National Bureau of Standards series relates to all phases of Astin's career, including his earliest scientific research in measurement techniques for dielectric (electric insulating) materials, telemetering, and electronic instrumentation. Since the National Bureau of Standards was founded in 1901 to coincide with the electrification of American industry, Astin's initial research was among the work most emphasized at the bureau. During World War II, ordnance research dominated its program, and Astin was one of the scientists assembled at the bureau in 1940 to develop proximity fuses for bombs and rockets. In 1944 and 1945, he represented the bureau in London working in liaison with the Office of Scientific Research and Development and the British armed forces. Astin's proximity fuse file chiefly documents technical and tactical matters, yet reference is also made to the strategic decision not to use proximity fuses in Europe and to their limited use in the Burma and China.

Astin's papers also document his active leadership in the formulation of public policy relating to science. The National Bureau of Standards series provides a record of his influence, including his role in the controversy over negative findings on the battery additive marketed as "AD-X2." Dismissed by Secretary of Commerce Sinclair Weeks, Astin was exonerated by a scientific council appointed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and overseen by the National Academy of Sciences. A subsequent report to the Secretary of Commerce made recommendations, which Astin helped to develop, for a reorganization of the National Bureau of Standards which eliminated ordnance research from its program and emphasized its primary role in establishing measurement standards and reliable properties of materials. Documentation for the AD-X2 controversy is located principally in the administrative file of the series.

Eisenhower approved the committee recommendations, reinstated Astin, and transferred the ordnance program to the Defense Department. Two new laboratories were then established by Defense: the Harry Diamond Laboratory in Washington, D.C., and the Corona Laboratory in California. Astin's association with these laboratories is documented in the Professional Activities series. Reorganization and relocation of the bureau to Gaithersburg, Maryland, is documented in the administrative file of the National Bureau of Standards series. In addition, the publications file in the same series includes Astin's 1968 interview for the Columbia University oral history of the Eisenhower administration and a draft manuscript for the bicentennial history of the bureau, "Measures of Assurance," both of which treat the AD-X2 controversy and bureau reorganization. Some of Astin's 1953 speeches in the National Bureau of Standards series also refer to the controversy.

Public speaking and publication files in the National Bureau of Standards series document Astin's articulation of the bureau's mission to governmental, scientific, and civic groups throughout the country and at European and Asian conferences. His extensive involvement in scientific associations, documented in the Professional Activities series, reflects the rise of late-twentieth-century research by committee and Astin's influence on the agenda of research programs in private and public laboratories. Other files in the Professional Activities series concern his efforts in scientific panels and governmental committees to define an autonomous role for scientists in public service.

Papers documenting Astin's role in international matters include the International Committee on Weights and Measures file in the National Bureau of Standards series and files for his work with State Department cooperative science programs in France and Japan in the Professional Activities series. Astin initiated studies at the bureau which were used in support of the Metric Conversion Act of 1975. The United States Metric Board file in the Professional Activities series documents his later work on national conversion.

Several letters and a few school and theatrical papers in the Miscellany series pertain to Astin's son, the actor John Astin, who is known for his portrayal of "Gomez" on the 1960s television show, "The Addams Family."

 Organization of the Papers

The collection is arranged in three series:

National Bureau of Standards, 1921-1983 Professional Activities, 1928-1984 Miscellany, 1934-1984 http://lccn.loc.gov/mm87062002 Container List Box Contents 1-27 National Bureau of Standards, 1921-1983

Correspondence, memoranda, minutes, agendas, reports, studies, congressional testimony, printed matter, photographs, writings, speeches and conference papers, research data, university teaching and in-house training course records, and other material from Astin's career with the bureau.

Organized alphabetically by subject or type of material and chronologically thereunder.

 1 Administrative files, Office of the Director AD-X2 battery additive controversy Correspondence, memoranda, and miscellany, 1952-1961, undated "Report of the Committee on Battery Additives of the National Academy of Sciences," 1953 (7 folders) 2 (2 folders) "Report to the Secretary of Commerce," Ad Hoc Committee for Evaluation of Present Functions and Operations of National Bureau of Standards, 1953 Appointment Letters of congratulations, 1951-1952 (2 folders) Memoranda, clippings, and miscellany, 1951-1952 Swearing in ceremony, circa 1952 Authorizing legislation and orders, 1950-1968 Biographies, 1962-1969, undated Boulder, Colo., laboratory, 1954-1961, undated Budget Planning documents, 1966-1967, undated Statements, 1967-1969 Building research, 1962-1964, undated 3 "Century 21 Exposition," Seattle, Wash., 1958-1962 Conferences, 1952-1969, undated Condon, Edward U. Banquet to honor, 1951 Correspondence and clippings, 1952-1968 Congressional testimony, 1955-1969, undated 4 Curtis, Harvey Lincoln, 1975-1976 Diary, Apr.-Sept. 1954 Executive leadership programs, 1962-1964 Executive personality analysis, 1954 International Bureau of Weights and Measures, Sevres, France, 1958-1967, undated International cooperation General, 1956-1968, undated (2 folders) USSR, 1956-1966, undated 5 Administrative files, Office of the Director Memoranda Commerce Department, 1953-1968, undated Interoffice, 1950-1969, undated (2 folders) Mission statement and goals, 1963-1965, undated Oddities, 1955-1964, undated (2 folders) 6 Photographs Award presentations, dinners, 1951-1969, undated Meetings, groups, and visitors, 1953-1970, undated Portraits, circa 1950-1970, undated Miscellaneous persons and places, 1955, undated 7 Relocation to Gaithersburg, Md. Dedication week ceremonies Open house printed matter, 1966, undated Photographs, 1966, undated (4 folders) Miscellaneous, 1961-1969 8 Reports, 1947-1969, undated Retirement, 1969, undated Boulder, Colo., activities Correspondence (2 folders) Gaithersburg, Md., activities (2 folders) Printed matter 9 Science policy, 1951-1967, undated Semicentennial, 1951 Studies Research support to universities, 1960-1967 Scientific institutions, 1968-1969 (2 folders) Scientific personnel General, 1953-1968, undated (2 folders) National Bureau of Standards, 1953-1966, undated 10 Telephone directories, 1950-1956 Awards, commendations, and honors Civil Service League, Career Service Award, 1960 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Harry Diamond Award, 1970 Miscellaneous, circa 1945-1967 Princeton University, Princeton, N.J., Rockefeller Public Service Award, 1963 General correspondence 1949-1954 (2 folders) 11 1955-1970, undated (5 folders) Personnel records (Astin), 1935-1960 12 Publications About Astin, clippings and offprints, 1949-1968 By Astin Copies and offprints, 1931-1969, undated (4 folders) Drafts and related material 1948-1952, miscellaneous 1954 "The IEC and the National Bureau of Standards," Magazine of Standards "Physical Standards and Industrial Progress," for proposed book 1958, "Standardization of the Inch" 1959 "An Atomic Standard for Length Measurement," Engineer's News Supplement, New York Herald Tribune Co. Statement, Encyclopedic Dictionary of Electronics and Nuclear Engineering 13 1960, "Miniaturization -- A New Science," preface for proposed book 1961-1966, miscellaneous 1967, "Measurement Accuracy at Radio Frequencies," proceedings of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1968 Oral history transcript, Eisenhower Administration Project, Columbia University, New York, N.Y. "A Time for Action in International Standardization," Materials Research and Standards "Voluntary Standardization and the Government: Fifty Years of Cooperation," Magazine of Standards 1969, "Management and the Metric System," Defense Management Journal 1981-1983, Commerce Department oral history project Undated About the National Bureau of Standards Clippings, offprints and reprints, 1951-1966, undated Official brochures and pamphlets 1925-1951 (2 folders) 14 1952-1969 (2 folders) "Measures of Assurance: A History of the National Bureau of Standards, 1951-1976," typescript for comment, 1972-1976 (3 folders) By National Bureau of Standards staff Printed matter, 1921-1975 (2 folders) 15 Typescripts, 1938-1976 (4 folders) Miscellaneous, circa 1930-1968, undated (2 folders) Research records Correspondence, 1936-1949 Data Negative power factor, 1938 Unidentified, undated 16 Electronic computers section Correspondence and memoranda, 1949-1951, undated Reports, 1947-1950 "Handbook of Physical Measurement" "Electricity" volume Introduction, 1946, undated "Power and Energy" chapter, undated Outline, 1947 Induction and capacitance section reports, 1939-1940 Ordnance Development Division Memoranda, 1946-1947 Research Arctic Test Detachment, United States Army, Ft. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, 1948-1949 General, 1954-1958, undated Proximity fuse Diamond, Harry, 1945-1949, undated Miscellaneous photographs and printed matter, 1945-1947, undated Office of Scientific Research and Development, London Mission Correspondence and memoranda, 1943-1946, 1959 Notes, undated Photographs, field tests, undated 17 Reports, 1944-1945 (2 folders) Speeches, lectures, and conference records Nov. 1950-Nov. 1951 (5 folders) 1952 Apr.-Nov. (8 folders) 18 Dec. (2 folders) Miscellaneous (2 folders) 1953 Jan.-Nov. (12 folders) 19 Dec. Miscellaneous 1954, Feb.-Nov. (19 folders) 20 1955, Jan.-Nov. (15 folders) 1956 Feb.-June (9 folders) 21 Sept.-Dec. (3 folders) Miscellaneous 1957, Jan.-Dec. (9 folders) 1958 Jan.-May (5 folders) 22 June-Dec. (6 folders) Miscellaneous 1959, Jan.-Oct. (15 folders) 23 1960, Apr.-Nov. 1962 (19 folders) 24 1963, Feb.-Nov. 1965 (11 folders) 25 1966, Jan.-Dec. (17 folders) 26 1967, Feb.-Sept. 1969 (20 folders) 27 1970, Dec.-Sept. 1971 (5 folders) Undated Miscellaneous USSR, conference Training courses Electromagnetic theory George Washington University, Washington, D.C., 1941-1942 Miscellaneous, 1937-1946, undated Vector analysis and electrostatics, 1939 28-61 Professional Activities, 1928-1984

Correspondence, memoranda, minutes, agendas, business records, notes, reports, studies, printed matter, photographs, and other records from Astin's committee work with various organizations.

Arranged alphabetically by title of the organization, institution, agency, or commission and thereunder by subject or document type.

 28 American Association for the Advancement of Science Committee on Scientific Freedom and Responsibility, notes and background material, undated Correspondence, 1970-1974 (2 folders) Memoranda, 1970-1973 Minutes, 1971-1973 Printed matter Guidelines and codes of ethics for professional employment, 1960-1973, undated (3 folders) 29 Miscellaneous, 1969-1974, undated (2 folders) Reports, 1967-1974 (4 folders) American National Standards Institute Correspondence, 1969-1970 Long-range Planning Committee Agenda and minutes, 1969-1970 30 Correspondence, memoranda, and miscellany, 1965-1971, undated (4 folders) Reports, 1969-1970 American Ordnance Association, 1951-1952 American Philosophical Society Committee on Meetings, 1980-1983 Correspondence, 1971-1983 Meeting programs, 1958, 1977-1983 31 Membership nominations, 1972-1984, undated Memoranda, 1977-1983, undated Printed matter, 1975-1980 American Physical Society, 1928, 1953-1959 American Society for Testing and Materials Annual meeting, Atlantic City, N.J., 1971 Committees, 1971 Computerization of laboratory instruments, 1969-1970 Correspondence, 1963-1971 Executive Committee awards, 1965-1971 Fire tests, 1970-1971 32 Forensic science, 1969-1972 Minutes, 1970-1973 Reports and statements, 1967-1972 Tire tests, 1969-1972 Applied Mathematics Advisory Council, 1948-1950 Commission on Government Procurement, Research and Development Study Group, 1969-1973 (3 folders) 33 Defense Science Board, 1960-1964 (2 folders) Environmental Protection Agency, oversight hearings, 1978-1979 Federal Council for Science and Technology, Civil Service Commission Federal executive service, 1962-1973 National Medal of Science Award Committee, 1962-1968 Printed matter Miscellaneous, 1966-1970 (2 folders) 34 Reports, 1954-1971 Symposia, 1963-1968 (2 folders) Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, Pa. Printed matter, 1970-1974 Research Review Committee, 1974-1976 35 George Washington University Center for Measurement Science, Washington, D.C., 1962-1967 (2 folders) Harry Diamond Laboratories, Scientific Advisory Committee, 1955-1967 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Correspondence, 1956-1983 Field Awards Committee, 1973-1974 Memoranda 1978-1981 (2 folders) 36 1982-1983 (4 folders) Reports, 1971-1983 (2 folders) Speeches and statements, 1976-1979 37 International Atomic Energy Agency Draft report, 1971-1972 (3 folders) Miscellany, 1970-1983 Panel to reexamine the relationship of the United States to, 1962-1972 Study group meetings 21 June-7 July 1971 (2 folders) 38 16 July 1971 Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md., 1958-1969 National Academy of Public Administration Agenda, 1968-1972 Colloquium on reorganization, 1970 Correspondence, 1968-1982 Effective departmental management conference, 1969 Meetings, 1969-1982 39 Memoranda, 1968-1983 (5 folders) Minutes, 1969-1973 (3 folders) 40 National Academy of Public Administration Miscellany, 1969-1980, undated (2 folders) Printed matter, 1972-1979, undated Reports, 1970-1983 Technology assessment, 1970-1973 (3 folders) 41 National Academy of Sciences Advisory Committee to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, 1974 Auditing Committee, 1963-1967, 1982-1983 Biographical Memoirs Committee Assignments Correspondence, 1971-1972 Lists, 1971, undated Suggestions, 1971, undated Bocher, Maxime, notes, 1971, undated Foote, Paul D. Notes, 1953-1974, undated Text, 1972-1979, undated 42 Building Research Advisory Board, 1971-1975 Business meetings, 1970-1975 (3 folders) Bylaws Committee General, 1965-1974, undated 43 Proposed amendments, 1971-1973, undated (2 folders) Cochrane, Rexmond C., centennial history, 1974 Copernicus quincentenary, nature of scientific discovery symposium, 1972-1973 Council meetings, 1972-1975 Criteria of Success in Science conference, Washington, D.C., 1953 General correspondence, 1957-1971, 1981-1983 44 Election ballots, 1978-1982 Membership Committee Age distribution studies, 1969-1975, undated Class memberships, 1967-1975, undated (2 folders) 45 Elections Ballot reports, 1973-1975, undated (2 folders) Procedures, 1970-1973 Nominations, 1974-1975 Quotas, 1970-1974, undated Motor Vehicle Emissions Committee, 1972-1973 National Academy of Engineering, joint operation of the National Research Council, 1970-1971 (3 folders) 46 National Bureau of Standards advisory panels, 1964 Office of the Home Secretary, memoranda and notices, 1970-1975, undated Science and public policy, 1970-1975 (2 folders) Shockley, William Ad Hoc Committee on Genetic Factors in Human Performance, 1969-1971 (2 folders) Miscellany, 1957-1967 47 Proposed resolution for annual meeting, 1972 SST-Supersonic Boom Committee, 1968-1970 Trust Fund, 1966-1975, undated National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, 1952-1958 National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1969-1973 New York University, New York, N.Y., 1952-1960, 1981-1983 Organization of Applied Research in Europe, 1954-1956 Pacific Science Center Foundation, Seattle, Wash. 1962-1966 (2 folders) 48 1967-1972 Science Service, Inc., Washington, D.C. Board of Trustees, 1966-1972 (4 folders) 49 Science News Advisory Committee, 1967-1972 (2 folders) State Department, Bureau of International Scientific and Technological Affairs United States-France Cooperative Program Consultant, 1976-1977 Coordinator General 1969-1971 (4 folders) 50 1972-1973 (5 folders) 51 1974-1975 (4 folders) Trips, 1970-1976 (3 folders) 52 Facilities inventory reports, 1971 (2 folders) Printed matter, 1964-1974 (3 folders) 53 United States-Japan Committee on Scientific Cooperation Liaison 1961-1967 (6 folders) 54 1969-1970 (5 folders) 55 1971 (5 folders) 56 Member, 1972-1976 (5 folders) Transportation Department, National Motor Vehicle Safety Advisory Council Committees Crash survivability, 1970-1971 General, 1970-1972 Research, 1968-1972 57 Correspondence, 1969-1972 (3 folders) First International Congress on Automotive Safety, San Francisco, Calif., 1972 (2 folders) Membership lists, 1967-1971 58 Memoranda, 1971-1972, undated (3 folders) Minutes, 1970-1972 Miscellany, 1970-1973, undated (2 folders) 59 Partnership in Safety Conferences, 1971 Key Biscayne, Fla. San Francisco, Calif. Reports, 1969-1973 (3 folders) Second International Technical Conference, Stuttgart, Germany, 1971 60 Tires, 1969-1971 Underwriters' Laboratories, Chicago, Ill. Board of Trustees, 1969-1976 (5 folders) Printed matter, 1974-1975 United States Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, 1949-1953 61 United States Metric Board, 1975-1978 61-66 Miscellany, 1934-1984

Commerce Department file and family and personal papers, including correspondence, memoranda, photographs, press releases, appointment calendars, reports, financial records, minutes, and programs.

Arranged alphabetically by subject or type of material.

 61 Commerce Department, acting assistant secretary for science and technology, 1967-1969 Family and personal papers, 1934-1983, undated Appointment calendars 1951-1959 (2 folders) 62 1960-1981 (6 folders) 63 Correspondence, 1947-1983, undated (2 folders) Gardening Jackson-Perkins Rose Testing Panel, 1960-1982, undated Miscellany, 1975-1982, undated Income tax records, 1934-1964 (2 folders) 64 Papers pertaining to other family members Astin, Alexander, 1956-1970, undated (2 folders) Astin, John, 1935, 1950-1977, undated Miscellany, 1943-1975, undated Philatelic interests, 1957-1965, undated Social activities Awards ceremonies, banquets, celebrations, 1950-1954 (2 folders) Cosmos Club, Washington, D.C. Board of Management Correspondence, 1962-1966 65 Financial statements, 1964-1966 Minutes, 1962-1984 (4 folders) Reports, 1962-1966 66 Briggs, Lyman James, tribute, 1936-1979, undated (5 folders) Haddon, William, membership nomination, 1974-1979, undated Miscellaneous, 1950-1969, undated Gridiron Club, Washington, D.C., program, 1953 Miscellaneous, 1935, 1951-1953