The collection of the Sphex Club, of Lynchburg, Virginia, includes minutes ofmeetings, the constitution and bylaws of the Club, a roster of its members, and a listing ofSphex papers presented by members and guests of the Club. In addition to this guide, thecollection is outlined in more detail in “Sphex in the Jones Memorial Library,” ChapterVI of the Club history, The Sphex Club of Lynchburg, Virginia: The First One HundredYears, 1910-2010, by James M. Elson.
James A. Huston’s presentation entitled “America’s Ten Most important Documents” is filled with fascinating facts, opinions and observations. Huston discusses why the “Northwest Ordinance” might be the most significant piece of legislation ever enacted by Congress, and the Fourteenth Amendment is “by far the most important of the amendments.” Huston concludes by pointing out that Thomas Jefferson had a major hand in the creation of the first seven of these ten documents.
Dr. Sally Selden is involved with the Government Performance Project that assesses the management capacity of all 50 states. The GPP is designed to identify the link between how well governments manage available resources and how well they deliver services. Dr. Selden’s primary focus is Human Resource Development. HRD evaluates the policies, systems, and practices that influence employees’ behaviors, attitudes and performance, and subsequently the performance of the organization.
James A. Huston lists the ten women who have left the greatest mark on history. Then he adds one more – Florence Nightingale (1820-1910). He explains that when she became abhorred by the medical treatment of soldiers, she dedicated her life to healing. The major changes she made were frequently opposed by established doctors. Huston shares how beloved she was by patients and how she greatly reduced the death rates of soldiers and patients today.
Richard P. Gifford's paper presented to the SPHEX Club explores the parallel between energy and information, drawing on historical trends, physical laws, and societal impacts. He discusses the increasing input and overload of information in modern life compared to energy consumption and warns of the potential negative consequences of an information-dominated society. Gifford highlights the need for tools to manage information overload and examines the future challenges of maintaining freedom and control in an information-centric world.
This paper by Elisabeth S. Muhlenfeld delves into the rich history of the dictionary, anchored by the provocative act of Becky Sharp from William Makepeace Thackeray's 1848 novel "Vanity Fair". Dr. Muhlenfeld traces the evolution of dictionaries from their inception in 2800 BCE with the Sumerians, through various cultures and eras, to the creation of Samuel Johnson's seminal 1755 Dictionary, and beyond to the modern Oxford English Dictionary (OED). Highlighting key developments, such as Noah Webster's American Dictionary and the perceived need for the American Heritage Dictionary in response to Merriam-Webster's "permissiveness", Muhlenfeld paints a comprehensive picture of how dictionaries have shaped and been shaped by society, culminating in the monumental achievement of the OED—a project of over seventy years that reflects the monumental effort akin to historical explorations and achievements.
The paper explores Andrew Carnegie's life and his philosophy on wealth and philanthropy, highlighting his transformation from a steel magnate to a major philanthropist. It details his business strategies, including vertical integration and the sale of Carnegie Steel, and his commitment to redistributing wealth through public institutions like libraries and universities. Carnegie's "Gospel of Wealth" advocates for the responsible use of wealth to benefit society rather than hoarding or passing it on through inheritance.
This academic paper by Julius Sigler delves into the concept of "Annus Mirabilis" or "Year of Miracles," focusing primarily on historical instances of unparalleled individual achievements in sports and science. Sigler reminisces about his personal connection to baseball and discusses the tendency to overlook past sports legends in favor of modern figures. The paper transitions to highlight significant years in the careers of notable athletes and scientists, such as Babe Ruth and Isaac Newton, before focusing on Albert Einstein's miraculous year in 1905. Einstein's contributions during this year fundamentally altered our understanding of physics, through his work on the photoelectric effect, Brownian motion, special relativity, and mass-energy equivalence. Sigler emphasizes the lasting impact of Einstein's theories on physics and the uniqueness of his intellectual achievements.
April Fool by Joan Jones, dated April 1, 1999, is a fictional address to the SPHEX Club, humorously presented as if delivered by Edith Wharton. This engaging narrative weaves through Wharton's purported personal experiences, her illustrious family background, and her literary achievements. The speaker, adopting Wharton's persona, takes the audience from her early life and inspirations through to her observations of society, her travels in Europe and Morocco, and her contributions to literature and social welfare during World War I. The address touches on themes of societal norms, the impact of environment on artistic creation, and the struggle for intellectual and emotional freedom within rigid social structures. Notably, it celebrates Wharton's pioneering achievements, including her Pulitzer Prize win for "The Age of Innocence," against the backdrop of her rich and varied experiences.
The paper titled "April Fools" by Michael A. Gillette, Ph.D., humorously explores philosophical and ethical dilemmas related to time measurement, patient autonomy, and hypothetical Mars colonization. Gillette navigates through complex issues, including Zeno's paradox, calendar evolution, ethical medical cases, and the moral implications of extraterrestrial life creation, ultimately concluding that while altering Mars isn't intrinsically wrong, practical and ethical considerations must be weighed.
This paper, presented by David T. Petty, Jr., explores the erosion of secular humanism and the impact of chaos theory on the concept of progress. Petty draws from historical philosophies, particularly those of John Locke, to discuss the Western belief in rational progress and its challenges in contemporary times. He references the uncertainty principle and chaos theory to illustrate the growing skepticism towards the predictability and control over nature and society. The paper prompts a reevaluation of humanism, suggesting that advancements in science and a deeper understanding of chaos may lead us to question our place in the universe and the inherent nature of progress. It calls for a philosophical discussion on whether the disillusionment with secular humanism signifies a temporary phenomenon or a permanent shift in our worldview.
The paper by Charles F. Church, titled "Are We Our Brother's Keeper?" examines the contentious debates and legislative changes surrounding welfare reform in the United States. It focuses on the shifting public responsibility for welfare from a broad interpretation of "general welfare" to more targeted initiatives aimed at promoting self-sufficiency among welfare recipients, highlighting the introduction of the U.S. Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 and the Virginia Initiative for Employment Not Welfare (VIEW). Church details how these reforms emphasize work requirements, time-limited benefits, and sanctions to encourage employment and reduce dependency.
The paper discusses the Mexican Revolution from 1911 to 1935, focusing on key figures like Francisco Madero, Porfirio Diaz, Emiliano Zapata, and others, highlighting the political and social upheaval that led to significant changes in Mexico. It covers various aspects of the revolution, including the rise and fall of leaders, foreign interventions, and the impact of the revolution on Mexican society and its relationship with the United States.
The lecture by J. Burroughs Noell titled "Asa G. Candler" explores the life and achievements of Asa Griggs Candler, highlighting his journey from an apprentice to physicians to becoming the sole owner of Coca-Cola and a significant philanthropist. The paper details Candler's acquisition and expansion of Coca-Cola, his innovative advertising strategies, legal challenges, and his substantial contributions to Emory University and the city of Atlanta through various philanthropic efforts. Candler's role as a businessman, his civic engagement, and lasting impact on education and community welfare are emphasized, showcasing his multifaceted legacy.
John D. deButts discusses the importance of future planning in the telephone business, emphasizing the need to anticipate technological advancements and maintain high service standards. He highlights the Bell System's commitment to research, innovation, and community engagement. DeButts also stresses the role of business in fostering public trust and addressing socio-economic issues, ultimately linking future success to current performance and societal contributions.
In his follow-up Sphex talk, Professor Tory L. Lucas delves into the concept of Sloth in the context of legal ethics, arguing that sloth, or the avoidance of important work, undermines the fundamental duties of attorneys such as competence, diligence, and zealousness. Lucas explores the historical perspectives of sloth from Evagrius to St. Thomas Aquinas, highlighting its detrimental effects on self and society. He advocates for disciplined perseverance and client-focused service as antidotes, underscoring the importance of equal justice under law and the necessity of meeting legal challenges with zeal and dedication.
Dr. Carey Brewer's paper "Avoiding Another Big Bang" discusses the efforts to prevent nuclear war during the Cold War. It details his career in national security, focusing on military research, civil defense, and strategic defense initiatives. Brewer reflects on key figures and events, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and Soviet space achievements, that shaped his professional journey and contributed to the eventual U.S. victory in the Cold War.
Beyond the Drosophila by Dr. Jeffrey W. Wilson explores the complexity of genetic inheritance and its implications on human health. Organized into personal anecdotes and scientific discussions, the paper delves into genotype and phenotype relationships, the role of family history in understanding genetic predispositions, and the impact of environmental factors on genetic expression. Key points include the importance of genomics in modern medicine, the interaction between genetics and environment, and the potential for personalized medicine.
The paper "BIG DEALS" by Robert C. Wood, III, recounts Ross Johnson's attempt to execute a leverage buyout (LBO) of RJR/Nabisco. It details the high-stakes negotiations, financial strategies, and ethical dilemmas surrounding the deal. The narrative highlights the fierce competition between Johnson, Henry Kravis, and other Wall Street figures. Ultimately, Kravis wins the bid, exemplifying the cutthroat nature of corporate finance and the downfall of the LBO craze.
This paper, delivered by Carey Brewer at the SPHEX Club on February 24, 1972, explores the expansion of the U.S. Federal Government and its implications for democratic control. Brewer discusses the growing complexity of government functions, the challenge of managing a vast bureaucracy, and the impact of modern communications, especially television, on public perception and participation in politics. He raises concerns about the concentration of power within a professional elite and the potential for executive overreach, facilitated by media dynamics. Brewer emphasizes the crucial role of a free press in maintaining democratic oversight but notes the challenges posed by secrecy and the manipulation of public discourse.
