This paper presents a comprehensive history of civil engineering, detailing the evolution of engineering principles from ancient times to the modern era. It covers significant developments like irrigation in Mesopotamia and Egypt, Roman aqueducts and roads, medieval bridges, and modern advancements in structural materials and designs. The paper emphasizes the role of civil engineering in shaping public infrastructure, transportation, and public health systems, highlighting the pivotal role of material science in these advancements.
Thomas Ledford's paper discusses the end of the James River and Kanawha Canal and how it was transformed into a steam railroad right of way that operates today as the CSX Corporation. During Washington and Jefferson’s era the need for western expansion to improve the economy became evident. The two giants of that era were canals and railroads. Ledford explains why the canals eventually lost the “struggle between giants.”
A succint summary of the history and current status of Israel and the Palestinian people and proposed solutions to the current social and political stalemate between Israel and the Palestinian people.
When the Webster’s Third Dictionary arrived in 1961, it set off a tempest of anger, condemnation and rejection. Many highly respected people said, “Take Webster’s Third out of print.” This fascinating paper explores many of the changes from Webster’s Second dictionary that were condemned. After discussing the changing nature of language and accepting some of the critics’ points as reasonable to consider, Dr. John Turner concludes by sharing his reasons for endorsing Webster's Third Dictionary.
Marc Schewel's presentation examined the inefficiencies and high costs of the U.S. healthcare system, which spent approximately $3.65 trillion in 2018. He highlighted the discrepancies between this high expenditure and the poorer health outcomes in the U.S. compared to other high-income countries, scrutinizing various sectors of the healthcare industry, including hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance providers, for their role in inflating costs.
Judge William W. Sweeney's paper, "The Trial of Christ," details the historical and judicial context of Jesus Christ's trial, emphasizing its illegality and the influences of Roman and Hebrew laws. The paper explains the procedural flaws and political pressures that led to Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting key events like the cleansing of the temple, the role of the Sanhedrin, and Pilate's reluctant involvement.
James R. Caskie's paper revisits James R. Caskie's review of Walker Lewis' legal analysis of the John Peter Zenger trial, which played a pivotal role in establishing freedom of the press in the American colonies. The paper, originally tailored for lawyers, is simplified for a broader audience, emphasizing Zenger's battle against the corrupt Royal Governor William Crosby in 1734-1735, who abused his power to suppress true but critical publications.
This paper, presented by Richard P. Gifford, explores the impact of Vikings on history. It covers their origins, raids, and settlements across Europe and beyond. Gifford argues that Vikings were catalysts in shaping Western civilization, highlighting their roles as traders, settlers, and organizers. The paper underscores the Vikings' influence on regions like England, Iceland, and Russia, emphasizing their enduring legacy.
The paper reflects on a pivotal personal experience of the author involving Judge Moon and a trial advocacy class that altered the course of the author's legal career, leading him from aspiring tax or corporate lawyer to circuit court judge. The narrative expands into an in-depth exploration of teaching methodologies in the trial advocacy class at the University of Virginia, emphasizing the integration of legal, Latin terms, and rhetorical skills focused on ethos, pathos, and logos. Judge Cook then discussed at length the life and impact of Frederick Douglass, with an emphasis on the power of Frederick Douglass’s rhetoric to educate and inspire law students.
Judge William W. Sweeney retells the story of “the Wreck of the Old 97.” He explores what happened before the wreck that brought a new crew to the train. He then looks at the possible reasons for the train’s derailment. Sweeney concludes by discussing the famous people who have sung about the wreck of the Old 97.
Scanned image of a postcard sent to Jones Memorial Library regarding racial segregation of library facilities. The card was sent from Connecticut and the text read "We have heard on radio over & over again that students of Colored Theological Seminary of Lynchburg are not allowed to use facilities of public library. It is hard to believe that such a condition can exist in the U.S.A."
This item is part of Jones Memorial Library Manuscript Collection 1396, the Dunbar High School Library Papers.
The academic paper presented by George Dawson focuses on the Medicare funding crisis in the United States. Dawson explores the financial insufficiency of the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and contrasts it with the better-funded parts of Medicare, highlighting the disparity in healthcare spending across different U.S. regions. His analysis points out that higher expenditures do not necessarily lead to better healthcare outcomes. The paper discusses potential solutions to address the Medicare shortfall, emphasizing the need for legislative action and reforms.
The paper "Things You Don't Know About the Healthcare System... And Why You Should" by George Dawson, presented to the SPHEX Club, critically examines the inherent flaws within the U.S. healthcare system. Dawson, leveraging his dual perspectives as a hospital administrator and a patient, articulates systemic failures including variability in medical quality and discrepancies in hospital performance. His presentation challenges conventional norms of scholarly discourse at SPHEX, embracing a candid and fact-based TED talk style to advocate for significant reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and patient care.
The paper, presented by Carey Brewer, reflects on the conclusion of the Cold War, highlighting the ideological collapse of communism and the diminishing threat of nuclear warfare. Brewer discusses the historical context of U.S.-Soviet relations, the nuclear arms race, and the policy debates over containment versus confrontation. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing disarmament efforts and the role of U.S. leadership in maintaining global stability.
Thomas Ledford shares a description of Lynchburg’s Old Court House carried by the Lynchburg Virginian newspaper on April 9, 1855. “On the very spot where a short time ago stood our chief disgrace built in 1813, now stands our chief pride and ornament.” It is built in the Grecian Revival style of architecture and was designed by William S. Ellison. A third courthouse was built in 1955. The restoration of the Old Court House concluded in 1977.
Julie Doyle's presentation on March 3, 2022, "This Road Less Traveled Moves Like Water," explored the concept and application of Restorative Justice in various settings, emphasizing its adaptability and impact on community harmony and offender accountability. The talk highlighted the work of Mckayla Warwick in Philadelphia, restorative justice's roots in indigenous practices, and its growing integration into U.S. court systems, particularly in Cook County, Illinois.
Digital scan of handwritten note from Thomas Jefferson to William Steptoe dated 13 September 1815.
In the note, Jefferson invites Dr. Steptoe to breakfast with Mr. Correa, Mr. Gilmer, and Jefferson on a botanical expedition.
William Steptoe was Jefferson's family physician.
Mr. Correa may refer to Abbe Joseph Correa de Serre, a Portuguese philosopher, botanist, and diplomat.
Mr. Gilmer may refer to Francis Walker Gilmer, an attorney, author and botanist.
The text of the note reads:
Th. Jefferson to Doctr Steptoe
Mr. Correa and Mr. Gilmer are here, and can stay three days only. These they wish to pas in Botanising the circumjacent country, & would be thankful for your advice and much more for your company. Will you do us the favor to come and breakfast with us tomorrow; as they will set out on their peregrinations after an early breakfast. On Sunday we all depart for the peaks of otter & Natural bridge. I salute you with friendship & respect.
Wednesday Sep 13. 15
Scanned images of an Inventory for the estate of Thomas Potter dated 10 October 1853. This document is part of Jones Memorial Library Manuscript Collection 1141, the Potter Estate Papers, Box 1-4.
Thomas Potter owned the Colerain Plantation in Savannah, Georgia. This document lists property and personal effects owned by Potter.
This academic paper, presented by Dr. John T. T. Hundley, explores the life and contributions of Dr. Thomas Walker, a notable figure in early American history. It delves into Walker's background, including his English heritage, medical career, extensive land grants in Virginia, and political involvement. The paper highlights Walker's pioneering expeditions into Kentucky, his role in the Fort Stanwix Conference, and his survey work. Despite his accomplishments, Walker is portrayed as a background figure in history, prompting a discussion on historical recognition. The paper suggests that, while not widely celebrated, Walker's impact is acknowledged through academic research and publications.
The academic paper revolves around the annual lecture at the SPHEX Club by ADM Cagle, focusing on contentious issues like American defense strategies, historical incidents like the Panama Canal controversy, and gender roles in combat. The paper outlines the progression of American foreign policy through anecdotes and detailed accounts of military decisions, emphasizing the consequences of these policies and the necessity for contentious discourse in forums like SPHEX. It also discusses the complex challenges of integrating women into combat roles, highlighting the physical and operational concerns.
This academic paper by George N. Rainsford is not a scholarly work but an explorative discussion on the nature of learning and understanding through questioning. It covers the progression of questioning from elementary through college education, emphasizing the shift from seeking definite answers to exploring open-ended questions. The paper then delves into three main questions—Who am I? Where am I? What time is it?—to explore human identity, our place in the universe, and our perception of time. It discusses the human condition from biological, zoological, societal, and philosophical perspectives, examining the challenges of living in a diverse, changing world and the ongoing quest for knowledge and understanding in the fields of astronomy, physics, and metaphysics. The paper concludes with reflections on human creativity and the importance of shaping our future.
Digital images of three receipts from Jones Memorial Library Manuscript collection 1944. The receipts are for auto repairs done at the N.P. Washington Auto Repair Shop in Lexington, Virginia in the 1920s.
Manuscript collection 1944 is held in physical format at Jones Memorial Library and includes alphabetized accounts with notes on repair work done by Nelson p. Washington (1894-), who operated a garage in Lexington.
