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Inventory of the R. A. (Robert A.) McConnell Papers, 1944-2000

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Descriptive Summary

Title
R. A. (Robert A.) McConnell Papers, 1944-2000
Creator
McConnell, R. A. (Robert A.)
Extent
40.9 Linear Feet
14,514 Items
Repository
Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, Duke University
Language
English.
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Administrative Information

Access Restrictions
Collection is restricted.
In addition, patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights form before using this collection.
Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library to use this collection.
Use Restrictions
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], R. A. (Robert A.) McConnell Papers, Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, Duke University.
Provenance
The R. A. (Robert A.) McConnell Papers were received by the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library as a gift, 1996-2000.
Processing Information
Processed by Paula Jeannet, Lisa Stark, and Ruth E. Bryan
Completed November 7, 1996, August 8, 1997, June 29, 2000, and April 26, 2001
Encoded by Ruth E. Bryan
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.
            

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Biographical Note

Professor emeritus in Biology at University of Pittsburgh and specialist in parapsychology.

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Collection Overview

Research materials in parapsychology spanning five decades; data and records from numerous parapsychology experiments (1947-1989); correspondence files, which include nearly all important scientists in the field (1944-1996); and various printed materials, among which are several boxes of "psychic healing" literature. Some papers document in great detail professional criticism, disputes, and controversies over several decades (1944-1996) (ca. 11,500 items) (34.5 lf) (acc#96-122)
Research records (many having to do with funding for projects) and correspondence. Also includes copies of many of McConnell's publications (often two copies of each). (1951-1991) (ca. 3000 items) (6.0 lf) (acc#97-084)
This addition to the collection contains a copy of McConnell's book Joyride to Infinity (2000), related items, and printouts of McConnell's Website: www.ramcconnell.com. (2000) (3 items) (.2 lf) (acc#2000-0274) (No container list was created for this addition.)
Statements and articles (8 items, 2000) by McConnell summing up his beliefs and positions on the existence of experimental phenomenon, the importance of parapsychology, and arguments against scientists who claim that parapsychological phenomena do not exist. This material can also be found on McConnell's Website. (.1 lf) (acc#2000-0431) (No container list was created for this addition.)
The collection is restricted until 2008. Users must obtain donor's permission. Contact a Reference Archivist.
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Subject Headings

These are searchable subject entries for this collection. Performing a search on these subjects in the Duke University Libraries online catalog will bring up other related research materials.
  • Parapsychologists--United States--Correspondence.
  • Parapsychology and science.
  • Extrasensory perception.
  • Parapsychology--Research.
  • Mental healing.
  • Psychokinesis.
  • Psychometry (Parapsychology).
  • Scientists-attitudes.
List of Series in Collection
Accession 96-122
Accession 97-084
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Preliminary Description of Unprocessed Collection

Accession 96-122

Note: See donor's original inventory in CCF for fuller details and explanations of abbreviations. The original box numbers are indicated in the container list below.
Box 1
Old box numbers 001-002
Experiment PKPL-2
Box 2
Old box numbers 002-004
Experiment PKPL-2
Box 3
Old box numbers 004-005
Experiment PKPL-2
Experiment DCM et al.
Box 4
Old box numbers 006-007
Experiment DCM et al.
Box 5
Old box numbers 007-008
Experiment DCM et al.
Box 6
Old box numbers 008-010
Experiment DCM et al.
Correspondence: J. Eisenbud
1 copy, "The world of Ted Serios"
Box 7
Old box numbers 010-011
Correspondence: J. Eisenbud
1 copy, "The world of Ted Serios"
Box 8
Old box numbers 011-012
Correspondence: G. R. Schmeidler
Correspondence and Experiments -- Haakon Forwald
Box 9
Old box numbers 013-014
Correspondence: People Series 1, A-H
Box 10
Old box numbers 015-016
Correspondence: People Series 1, J-R
Box 11
Old box numbers 017-018
Correspondence: People Series 1, S-Z
Correspondence: Critics of Parapsychology and Their Victims
Box 12
Old box numbers 018-019
Critics of Parapsychology
Giving of Books and Papers, 1982-1987, EEP-0 to EEP-3
Box 13
Old box numbers 020-021
1975-1978,Seven Educational Activities
Correspondence: Selected Persons
Box 14
Old box numbers 022-024
Correspondence: Selected Persons and Organizations
Box 15
Old box numbers 024-026
Correspondence: Selected Persons and Organizations
Psychic Healing Literature, Miscellaneous
Box 16
Old box numbers 026-028
Psychic Healing Literature, Miscellaneous
Psychic Healing Literature, Selected
Box 17
Old box numbers 028-030
Psychic Healing Literature, Selected
Parapsychological Association Records, 1957-1961
Parapsychological Association Records, 1962-1965
Box 18
Old box numbers 030-032
Needs more processing before use.
Parapsychological Association Records, 1966-1972(030)
includes PA joins the AAAS, 1969-1980
Parapsychological Association Records, 1973-1986(031)
Parapsychological Association Records, 1987and earlier records (032)
Box 19
Old box numbers 032-034
Parapsychological Association Records, 1987-1994
USSR Relations
Box 20
Old box numbers 034-035
USSR Relations
Giving of Books and Papers, 1987-1988,EEP-4 to EEP-11
Box 21
Old box numbers 036-037
Mailings of 1989 Marchto 1989 August,EEP-12 to EEP-13
National Academy of Sciences Mailings, 1989,EEP-14 to EEP-15
Box 22
Old box numbers 037-039
National Academy of Sciences Mailings, end of EEP-15
Fraud and Self-Deception
EEP-16 Mailings, 1990 Octoberto 1991 June
Box 23
Old box numbers 039-040
EEP-16 Mailings (cont.) - end
Six Educational Activities, 1968-1974

Accession 97-084

Box 1
A. W. Mellon E&C Trust records
Money accounting sheets
Anon. supporter records (Chester Carlson)
Box 2
Shanti Foundation (Mrs. Carlson)
Anon. (L. Rockefeller)
Miscellaneous Gift Fund (R. A. McConnell)
William McDougal Fund
W. G. and J. V. Stone Foundation
New World Foundation
McConnell publications -- papers
Box 3
R. A. McConnell's publications -- books
A. W. Mellon Trust correspondence -- 1951-1991and trustee correspondence
Box 4
A. W. Mellon Trust correspondence -- 1951-1991and trustee correspondence (cont.)
University of Pittsburgh Administration of R. A. McConnell's research
Rockefeller Brothers Fund correspondence