L. Stanley James Papers, ca.1920-1994, n.d.: Scope & Contents of the Collection

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The L. Stanley James Papers consist of correspondence, writings, research material, biographical information, sound recordings, and photographs concerning James, as well as his colleague, physician and anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar. The material for James chiefly reflects his research activities from 1957-1983, particularly his interest in the resuscitation of newborns. Many of his articles and reports in this collection dating from 1957-1973 were co-authored by Apgar. Most of his correspondence (1973, 1982-1983, 1991, n.d.) concerns his participation in scientific conferences. The Apgar materials in the collection date from 1939-1989. These items include several letters by or to Apgar from 1966 concerning the Apgar Score as well as copies of articles and reports by her (1939-1975) that reflect her research concerning childbirth, the health of newborns, and birth defects. James participated in memorial services honoring Apgar after her death in 1974, and his papers include letters to him from individuals who knew her, articles and biographical information about her, and cassette tapes of two of the services. Other materials concern the Virginia Apgar Award in Perinatal Pediatrics that was established in 1975. These papers contain photographs of both James and Apgar. Those of James (circa 1925-circa 1977) include both formal and informal portraits of him, as well as photographs that show him with relatives, friends, classmates, and professional colleagues. Some of these photographs are part of two albums in the collection. The Apgar photographs (circa 1920-1974) also consist of formal and informal portraits and photographs of her with others. Some of the latter photographs show her at reunions of the Aqualumni, a group of anesthesiologists trained by Dr. Ralph M. Waters at the University of Wisconsin.

Material from this collection is available in an online digital format.