This paper discusses Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1914 Antarctic expedition, highlighting his recruitment, planning, and leadership. The main focus is on the crew's survival after their ship, the Endurance, was trapped and crushed by ice. The paper details Shackleton's leadership in securing the men's safety through extreme conditions and his heroic 800-mile journey to South Georgia for rescue.
Scanned images of a list of expenses by T.F. Potter with James Potter for the Colerain Plantation in 1836, This document is part of Jones Memorial Library Manuscript 1141, the Potter Estate Papers, Box 1-2.
The Potter estate included the Colerain and Tweedside Plantations near Savannah, Georgia. Thomas F. Potter and James Potter were brothers who owned and operated the plantations.
In this document, an entry on 20 July 1837 notes "Jail Fees Abraham 3.27" . Other materials in the Potter collection indicate that Abraham was the name of a person enslaved by James Potter on the estate. This entry may relate to this enslaved person and suggests that Abraham was enslaved on the Colerain plantation in 1837.
This document also lists a payment of $10.00 to "Overseer Davis".
The paper "Tales of a Tasmanian Leprechaun" by Jeffrey W. Wilson MD chronicles the life of Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish revolutionary who became a prominent figure in the American Civil War and later served as the acting governor of Montana. It traces Meagher’s journey from Ireland to Tasmania as a political prisoner, his escape to America, his contributions to the Civil War, and his eventual political career in Montana. The paper delves into his significant speeches, military engagements, and his mysterious death in Montana.
Carl B. Hutcherson Jr. explores the multifaceted concept of 'life' described by C.S. Lewis in "Studies in Words," emphasizing its diverse meanings from the state of being alive to the ethical and qualitative aspects of human existence. Hutcherson uses the metaphor of walls to discuss societal divisions, highlighting how barriers like race, socioeconomic status, and age have historically hindered equality and unity. He advocates for the metaphorical 'bridge-building' as a means to overcome these divisions, underscoring the need for collective effort, understanding, and respect in pursuit of a more inclusive and just society.
Dr. Jeffrey Wilson's presentation "Teethbrush Lessons," delivered on March 17, 2022, focused on the profound impact of teachers in shaping lives, illustrated through personal experiences and stories of influential individuals like Katherine Johnson and Homer Hickham. Highlighting the significant difference made by educators, the talk also reflected on the potential effects of the pandemic on future student-teacher relationships.
Digital image of a telegram held at Jones Memorial Library in Lynchburg, Virginia as part of Manuscript Collection 1667.
The telegram was sent in 1904 from Carter Glass in Lynchburg, Virginia to Senator John W. Daniel at the Democratic National Convention held in St. Louis, Missouri. In the telegram Glass advises Daniel to "Stick to Parker and we will elect a President". Glass is referring to Judge Alton B. Parker, nominee for the office of President on the Democratic Party ticket. Parker and vice presidential nominee Henry G. Davis of West Virginia were selected as the party ticket but lost the November 1904 election to Theodore Roosevelt and Charles Fairbanks.
Nancy Marion's presentation, "Telling Time," delved into the history of time charts and the evolution of methods for charting history, beginning with Eusebius's matrix in the fourth century to modern visual representations. Her talk encompassed various historical and inventive approaches to chronology, from genealogical trees in the Nuremberg Chronicle to innovative 20th-century histograms by John Sparks, highlighting how these methods have evolved to capture and illustrate the passage of time and history.
Eric J. Sorenson's "Ten Days Lost Forever" explores the evolution and complexities of the calendar, focusing on the inaccuracies and reforms that have shaped our current Gregorian calendar. Sorenson highlights the arbitrary nature of calendrical numbers, the historical figures responsible for calendar reform, and the scientific and religious influences that culminated in our current system of measuring time.
Samuel P. Cardwell's paper, delivered at the Sphex Club on February 3, 1994, explores the history and functions of the Federal Reserve System. Cardwell, drawing from his extensive background in banking and personal anecdotes, elucidates the development and evolution of the Federal Reserve, emphasizing its foundational goals and subsequent adaptations. He articulates the complex structure of the Federal Reserve, detailing its checks and balances, and highlights significant legislative influences on its operations. The talk merges historical insights with Cardwell's personal connections to the subject matter, providing a thorough primer on the Federal Reserve's impact on U.S. monetary policy and banking.
Peter Houck's lecture, "The Other War of Northern Aggression," presented on November 17, 1992, explores the significant yet often overlooked role of infectious diseases in shaping historical events, particularly emphasizing the impact of epidemics on the colonization of America, the spread of diseases among Native Americans, and their influence on the Civil War. Houck discusses how diseases such as smallpox, brought by European settlers, decimated Native American populations, facilitating European conquest. He highlights the "biological warfare" of the North during the Civil War, suggesting that the spread of diseases like smallpox had a substantial impact on the outcome, potentially more so than military strategies. The lecture intertwines medical history with broader historical narratives, challenging conventional perspectives on historical events and the factors influencing their outcomes.
The academic paper titled "The Adventures of Thomas Jefferson Snodgrass" by Jeffrey Nichols explores the architectural and personal connections between Thomas Jefferson and Mark Twain, focusing on their respective octagonal houses at Poplar Forest and Hartford, Connecticut. It discusses Jefferson's use of Poplar Forest as a retreat and its significance as potentially the first octagonal house in the U.S., alongside Twain's octagonal study where he penned his famous works. The paper highlights the contrasting personalities and philosophies of Jefferson and Twain through anecdotes and quotes, illustrating their lasting impact on American culture.
This paper explores the multifaceted nature of alchemy, debating its identity as a blend of philosophy, charlatanism, early chemistry, and occult knowledge. It argues that alchemy was as much a spiritual and philosophical pursuit as it was a precursor to scientific chemistry, emphasizing the alchemists' quest for enlightenment and the transmutation of base metals into gold as a metaphor for human spiritual transformation. Drawing extensively on "The Arts of the Alchemists" by Dr. C. A. Burland, the paper traces the evolution of alchemy from its mythical origins through its development in the Alexandrian school, its adaptation by Arab scholars, to its eventual decline in Europe with the rise of rational science. It highlights significant contributors to alchemical thought, such as Hermes Trismegistus, Prince Khalid, Roger Bacon, and Nicholas Flamel, and discusses the transition of alchemy into modern scientific disciplines.
Dr. David Frantz's lecture, "The American Chestnut," discusses the history, significance, and efforts to restore the American Chestnut (ACN). The paper covers the tree's ecological and economic roles, the devastation caused by chestnut blight, and current restoration strategies, including breeding programs and genetic engineering. It highlights the challenges and controversies in reviving this foundational species, emphasizing the potential benefits and ongoing efforts despite opposition.
The Ancient Mariner Returns, presented to the SPHEX Club, addresses the escalating problem of water pollution in Virginia's streams, drawing a parallel to the plight of the Ancient Mariner who famously lamented the lack of drinkable water. The paper discusses the historical evolution of stream pollution due to urban and industrial growth, highlights early efforts at water treatment in Virginia, and outlines the successful implementation of policies and technologies by the State Water Control Board and EPA, which significantly restored the water quality of the James River and other streams in less than 40 years. The collaborative approach of Lynchburg City and the Mead Corporation is emphasized as a model for effective pollution management, leading to an era where "The Modern Mariner can now find drinking water everywhere."
Baker's 1976 paper, the "Anna Rosenberg Incident" details the controversial Senate hearing of Anna M. Rosenberg, nominated for Assistant Secretary of Defense in 1950. Amidst McCarthyism, she faced false accusations of Communist ties, primarily from Ralph De Sola, a self-proclaimed ex-Communist. Despite De Sola's firm accusations, no evidence supported his claims, and investigations, including FBI involvement, refuted them. Rosenberg's integrity was upheld, highlighting the paranoia and injustice characterizing the McCarthy era.
The paper discusses the evolution of a pre-med student's academic journey, focusing on challenges faced in physics and how serendipity played a role in overcoming these hurdles. It highlights memorable events, including a pivotal basketball game, struggles with coursework, and a fortunate grade mix-up. The narrative concludes with reflections on energy resources, particularly renewable energy, and their geopolitical and environmental implications.
The paper examines John Marshall's influential role in defining the powers of the U.S. Supreme Court and shaping American constitutional law. It reviews four landmark opinions and two politically charged trials he participated in, highlighting his interpretation of judicial review, state versus federal authority, and the protection of individual rights. The analysis illustrates Marshall's profound impact on the growth of the United States as a unified nation governed by law.
This academic paper, presented by Dr. John T. T. Hundley, delves into the dialectic of "The Art versus the Science of Medicine," exploring how the integration of art and science enhances medical practice. Hundley emphasizes the dangers of a one-sided approach, using the example of penicillin's over-use to illustrate the catastrophic consequences of science without art. He argues for a holistic view of patient care, highlighting the importance of recognizing the patient's broader personal context. The paper suggests a reevaluation of medical objectives, advocating for a balance between prolonging life and improving quality of life, and calls for a modern interpretation of the Hippocratic oath in light of contemporary scientific advancements.
The paper by W. Martin Johnson, titled "To Catch a Fox: The Battles of North Africa in World War II", explores the significant impact of the Allied victory in North Africa on the overall outcome of World War II. It delves into the strategic military maneuvers of Field Marshall Erwin Rommel and the Allied forces, highlighting key battles such as those at El Alamein, Tobruk, and the eventual retreat of Axis forces, culminating in the pivotal turning points that shaped the war's trajectory.
Kenneth R. Garren's paper, "The Beauty of Three," explores the relationship between academic performance and participation in varsity sports, focusing on Division I and III athletes. It highlights that Division III athletes, who receive no financial compensation, are often more academically inclined than Division I athletes. The study also examines graduation rates and academic performance across different sports and institutions, suggesting that high-profile athletes tend to underperform academically compared to non-athletes and lower-profile athletes.
This paper by J. Burroughs Noell outlines the evolution of the British Museum Library from its inception in 1753 to its current state. Funded initially by Parliament and expanded through various means, including a lottery, the library grew to house 6 million volumes and 60,000 manuscripts, emphasizing historical and scientific knowledge without functioning as a lending library. Notable developments include the arrangement of books by language, the construction of a larger building to accommodate King George III's collection, and the introduction of machine cataloging methods aimed at completing the catalog by a projected date.
