The University of Chicago Library > The Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center > Finding Aids > Guide to the Ezra J. Kraus Papers 1915-1947
© 2008 University of Chicago Library
| Title: | Kraus, Ezra J. Papers |
|---|---|
| Dates: | 1915-1947 |
| Size: | 2.5 linear feet (4 boxes) |
| Repository: |
Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center |
| Abstract: | Ezra J. Kraus (1885-1960), botanist and horticulturist, served as a professor in the University of Chicago's Department of Botany from 1927-1948, and as chair of the department from 1934-1947. His research in plant physiology focused on nutrition in relation to development and behavior, established the principle of the carbohydrate-nitrogen growth ratio in plants, and pioneered the use of synthetic substances in the regulation of plant growth. During World War II, Kraus worked with the National Research Council to direct research and development of herbicides for use in biological warfare. This collection documents Ezra J. Kraus's research in agriculture and horticulture, as well as his work as an administrator at the University of Chicago, the Bureau of Plant Industry and the National Research Council. |
Open for research. No restrictions
When quoting material from this collection, the preferred citation is: Kraus, Ezra J. Papers, [Box #, Folder #], Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library
Ezra Jacob Kraus (1885-1960), botanist and horticulturist, received a bachelor's degree from Michigan State College in 1907, and a Ph.D. from University of Chicago in 1917. He held teaching positions and conducted research in agriculture and horticulture at Oregon State College and University of Wisconsin. Returning to University of Chicago in 1927, he served as a professor in the Department of Botany until his retirement as professor emeritus in 1948. In his retirement, Kraus returned to Corvallis, Oregon where he continued to teach at Oregon State College.
His research in plant physiology focused on nutrition in relation to development and behavior, established the principle of the carbohydrate-nitrogen growth ratio in plants, and pioneered the use of synthetic substances in the regulation of plant growth. In 1938, Kraus began working as principal plant physiologist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Plant Industry, where her supervised research in plant growth regulators. During World War II, he worked with the National Research Council to direct research and development of herbicides for use in biological warfare. This work led to the development of the weedkiller 2,4-D.
While at University of Chicago, Kraus held administrative positions including chair of the Department of Botany (1934-1947). He also edited the Botanical Gazette from 1934-1947. He held leadership positions in several professional organizations, was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and served on advisory boards for the National Research Council and the State of Illinois. For his achievements, the American Horticultural Society named Kraus among the three greatest contributors to horticulture in the twentieth century; he also received an honorary doctorate from Oregon State College in 1938.
As a horticulture enthusiast, Kraus developed dozens of hybrid garden plant varieties, including chrysanthemums, daylilies, iris, azaleas and clematis.
This collection documents Ezra J. Kraus's research in agriculture and horticulture, as well as his work as an administrator at the University of Chicago, the Bureau of Plant Industry and the National Research Council. A smaller amount of material relates to his work with professional organizations, such as the American Horticultural Society.
Material in this collection consists primarily of correspondence, but also includes reports, publications, pamphlets, article drafts, research data, and photographs. Included are correspondence and reports detailing Kraus's administration of research and development of herbicides during WWII, as well as his work on biological warfare committees of the National Research Council.
Charles E. Olmsted. Papers
University of Chicago. Department of Botany. Records
Paul D. Voth. Papers
| Box 1 Folder 1 | Special gymnosperms course, 1917 |
| Box 1 Folder 2 | H.R. Kraybill, apple leaves and stems research, 1918 |
| Box 1 Folder 3 | Correspondence, 1915-1919 |
| Box 1 Folder 4 | University of Chicago Committee on Educational Policy, 1937-1939 |
| Box 1 Folder 5 | United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, United States Horticultural Station, 1938-1940 |
| Box 1 Folder 6-7 | United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, 1938-1940 |
| Box 1 Folder 8 | United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, C.E. Schoenhals, 1938-1940 |
| Box 1 Folder 9 | United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, progress reports, 1938-1940 |
| Box 1 Folder 10 | Association of Land-Grant Colleges and Universities, Committee on Research Monographs, 1939-1940 |
| Box 1 Folder 11 | Correspondence, 1940-1946 |
| Box 1 Folder 12 | American Horticultural Society, 1941-1942 |
| Box 2 Folder 1 | University of Chicago Department of Botany, applicants for positions, 1941-1943 |
| Box 2 Folder 2-3 | Correspondence, 1942-1943 |
| Box 2 Folder 4 | National Research Council, 1942 |
| Box 2 Folder 5 | National Research Council, Division of Biology and Agriculture, Committee on Animal Nutrition, 1942-1943 |
| Box 2 Folder 6 | National Research Council, Division of Biology and Agriculture, 1942-1944 |
| Box 2 Folder 7 | National Research Council, Division of Biology and Agriculture, Committee on Animal Health, 1943 |
| Box 2 Folder 8 | United States Civil Service Commission, 1943 |
| Box 2 Folder 9 | 2,4-D herbicide research, 1944-1945 |
| Box 2 Folder 10 | National Academy of Sciences and National Research Council, ABC Committee and DEF Committee, biological warfare research, 1944-1946 |
| Box 3 Folder 1 | National Research Council, biological warfare research, 1945 |
| Box 3 Folder 2 | National Research Council, Advisory Committee on Scientific Publications, 1945 |
| Box 3 Folder 3 | National Research Council, biological warfare, greeting card, 1946 |
| Box 3 Folder 4 | National Research Council, Plant Sciences Subcommittee, 1947 |
| Box 4 | University of Chicago Zoology Club, commemoration of visit to Wychwood, circa 1930s |