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University of Chicago Library

Guide to the Association of Los Alamos Scientists Records 1945-1948

© 2009 University of Chicago Library

Descriptive Summary

Title:

Association of Los Alamos Scientists. Records

Dates:

1945-1948

Size:

5.5 linear feet (11 boxes)

Repository:

Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center
University of Chicago Library
1100 East 57th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60637 U.S.A.

Abstract:

The Association of Los Alamos Scientists (ALAS) was founded on August 30, 1945, by scientists who had worked on the development of the atomic bomb. The purpose of the organization was "to promote the attainment and use of scientific technological advances in the best interests of humanity." The records of the ALAS include correspondence, memoranda, reports, minutes, membership lists, financial records, press releases, newsletters, photographs and glass slides of atomic explosions. The collection documents the efforts of the ALAS to promote international control of atomic energy by sponsoring educational programs and influencing federal legislation.

Information on Use

Access

The collection is open for research.

Citation

When quoting material from this collection, the preferred citation is: Association of Los Alamos Scientists. Records, [Box #, Folder #], Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library.

Historical Note

The Association of Los Alamos Scientists was founded on August 30, 1945, by a group of scientists who had worked on the development of the atomic bomb. The organizational manifesto declared its purpose to be “to promote the attainment and use of scientific and technological advances in the best interests of humanity.” The scientists went on to recognize that they, “by virtue of their special knowledge, have, in certain spheres, special political and social responsibilities beyond their obligations as individual citizens.” The association believed it could carry out these responsibilities by keeping its members informed, “and by providing a forum through which their views can be publicly and authoritatively expressed.” The ALAS concentrated its activities principally in promoting international control of atomic energy and channeling it into peaceful uses. It also concerned itself with public promotion of science, mainly through federal legislation, and the freedom and integrity of scientists and scientific research. The group undertook a program of public education on the nature and control of atomic energy through lectures, films, and exhibits, and the distribution of literature. It attempted to influence public policy by authoritative statements to the press and correspondence with high government officials and congressmen.

Scope Note

The Association of Los Alamos Scientists records consists of 5.5 linear feet and covers the period from 1945 to 1948. The records include business and financial arrangements of the association, membership lists, and minutes of meetings, which help document some opinions and attitudes held by various prominent scientists involved in the atomic energy question. The records also include press releases, statements, memoranda, information sheets, newsletters, correspondence with related groups, congressmen, and private citizens, and other miscellaneous material, including photographs of atomic explosions and the resulting devastation.

Related Resources

Browse finding aids by topic.

Subject Headings

INVENTORY

Box 1   Folder 1

Appointment of Albert Goodman, Secretary-treasurer, 1948

Box 1   Folder 2

Bank statements, 1945-1948

Box 1   Folder 3

Bills paid, 1945-1949

Box 1   Folder 4

Check books, 1945-1949

Box 1   Folder 5

Collector of Internal Revenue, 1946-1948

Box 1   Folder 6

Employment security, 1946-1947

Box 1   Folder 7

Financial reports, 1945-1948

Box 1   Folder 8

Nominating petitions (sample copies), n.d.

Box 1   Folder 9

Office arrangements, n.d.

Box 1   Folder 10

Post Office permit, 1948

Box 1   Folder 11

Receipt book, ledger, 1945-1949

Box 1   Folder 12

Routing slips (sample copies)n.d.

Box 1   Folder 13

Work orders (mimeographing), n.d.

Box 2   Folder 1

Army relations 1945

Box 2   Folder 2

Articles submitted for publication, 1947-48

Box 2   Folder 3

Clipping bureau report, 1945

Box 2   Folder 4

Constitution and incorporation papers, n.d.

Box 2   Folder 5

Early activities of ALAS, founding statements, etc., Aug.-Oct. 1945

Box 2   Folder 6

Executive committee, elections, 1945-1947

Box 2   Folder 7

Executive committee, minutes, 1947-1948

Box 2   Folder 8

Fact Finding Committee, n.d.

Box 2   Folder 9

Federation of American Scientists, n.d.

Box 2   Folder 10

Film showing, 1947

Box 2   Folder 11

Form letters, n.d.

Box 2   Folder 12

Lilienthal petition, 1947

Box 2   Folder 13

Mailing lists, n.d.

Box 2   Folder 14

Master dittos, n.d.

Box 2   Folder 15

Membership lists, n.d.

Box 2   Folder 16

Minutes, general meetings, 1945-1946

Box 2   Folder 17

National organizations, correspondence, n.d.

Box 2   Folder 18

Newsletter Nos. 1-31 (no. 11 missing), 1945-1946

Box 2   Folder 19

Outline of program for ALAS group meetings or general meetings, n.d.

Box 3   Folder 1

Committee of Facts

Box 3   Folder 2

Fused sand project, January, 1946

Box 3   Folder 3

Pamphlet, "Our Atomic World", proof and correspondence

Box 3   Folder 4

Policy formulation, statements, letters

Box 3   Folder 5

Press releases

Box 3   Folder 6

Proposed journal

Box 3   Folder 7

Proposed questionnaire

Box 3   Folder 8

Proposed summary of views on the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission

Box 3   Folder 9

Publications committee

Box 3   Folder 10

Publicity ideas

Box 3   Folder 11

Published articles

Box 3   Folder 12

Santa Fe meeting, December, 1945

Box 3   Folder 13

Speakers, 1945-1948

Box 3   Folder 14

Statewide conferences, 1946-1947

Box 3   Folder 15

Study of military subsidy of research, 1947

Box 3   Folder 16

Visual aid material

Box 3   Folder 17

Miscellaneous reports

  • Atomic Developments in 1946 - E. C. Nelson, L. I. Schiff, n.d.
  • Science and Civilization - Niels Bohr, n.d.
  • The Defense of the U.S. Against Atomic Attack - L. I. Schiff, n.d.
  • Economics of Nuclear Power - P. Morrison, n.d.
  • Oppenheimer Acceptance Speech, n.d.
  • Postwar Industrial Uses of Atomic Energy - L. I. Katzin, n.d.
  • The Navy Test - F. Reines, n.d.
  • Suggested Atomic Energy Bill - Perlman, n.d.
Box 4   Folder 1

Correspondence, A-As, n.d.

Box 4   Folder 2

Correspondence, Association of Scientists for Atomic Education, n.d.

Box 4   Folder 3

Correspondence, Atomic Scientists of Chicago, n.d.

Box 4   Folder 4

Correspondence, B, n.d.

Box 4   Folder 5

Correspondence, C, n.d.

Box 4   Folder 6

Correspondence, D-E, n.d.

Box 4   Folder 7

Correspondence, Federation of American Scientists, n.d.

Box 4   Folder 8

Correspondence, Federation of American Scientists, n.d.

Box 4   Folder 9

Correspondence, Federation of American Scientists, n.d.

Box 4   Folder 10

Correspondence, Fel-G, n.d.

Box 4   Folder 11

Correspondence, H-K, n.d.

Box 4   Folder 12

Correspondence, L-M, n.d.

Box 5   Folder 1

Correspondence, N, n.d.

Box 5   Folder 2

Correspondence, O-P, n.d.

Box 5   Folder 3

Correspondence, R-Se, n.d.

Box 5   Folder 4

Correspondence, Sh-Sz, n.d.

Box 5   Folder 5

Correspondence, T, n.d.

Box 5   Folder 6

Correspondence, U-Z, n.d.

Box 5   Folder 7

Congressional Correspondence, n.d.

Box 5   Folder 8

Crank letters, n.d.

Box 5   Folder 9

Material on Ball Bill, 1945 (mostly correspondence), n.d.

Box 5   Folder 10

Material on Kilgore-Magnuson Bill, 1946 (mostly correspondence), n.d.

Box 5   Folder 11

Material on May-Johnson Bill, 1945-46 (mostly correspondence), n.d.

Box 5   Folder 12

Material on Navy Tests (Bikini), 1946 (mostly correspondence), n.d.

Box 5   Folder 13

Radio scripts (10 programs presented by ALAS, nos. 9-10 missing), n.d.

Box 5   Folder 14

Statements, miscellaneous press releases, articles, etc., n.d.

Box 6

Membership files, A-N, n.d.

Box 7

Membership files, O-Z, n.d.

Box 7

Membership files, A-Z, n.d.

Box 7

Loose leaf notebook, members, minutes, n.d.

Box 8

Membership receipt books, n.d.

Box 9

Atomic bomb tests, glass slides, n.d.

Box 10

Atomic bomb tests, glass slides, n.d.

Box 11   Folder 1

Atomic bomb tests, photographs, n.d.

Box 11   Folder 2

Atomic bomb tests, photographs, n.d.

Box 11   Folder 3

Atomic bomb tests, photographs, n.d.

Box 11   Folder 4

Atomic bomb tests, photographs, n.d.

Box 11   Folder 5

Atomic bomb tests, photographs, n.d.

Box 11   Folder 6

Atomic bomb tests, 3x4 negatives and prints, n.d.

Box 11   Folder 7

Microfilm (2 rolls), unidentified, n.d.

Box 11   Folder 8

Scrapbook, n.d.