Collection Search

Patent granted for improvements in horsepower

Much of the text has faded and was overwritten with blue ink. Tied with pink ribbon.

GLC07569

Patent issued to Ephraim Gilbert for the construction of gun locks

Countersigned by Martin Van Buren. On parchment, with red ribbon.

GLC07585

to Tristam Dalton

Thanks him for the copy of Agriculture Magazine he sent. Regarding cattle feed, he states that instead of the widely used crops of carrots, potatoes, and beets, he recommends Jerusalem artichoke and succory (chicory). He describes the merits of...

GLC07670.01

Patent issued to Gould Thorp for inventing an improvement to the cooking stove

GLC07718

to Solomon Lincoln Esq.

Pontificating on the history and intentions of the Pilgrims and the Founding Fathers, and on the important principles to be learned from America's collective history. Also giving his views on freedom of religion and freedom of speech and the limits...

GLC07868

Report of the Commissioner of Patents for the year 1849

Published by the Office of Printers to the Senate. Includes an introduction by Thomas Ewbank, Commissioner of Patents. Contains sections on financial and statistical aspects of the patent office, inventions and claims, examiners' and machinists'...

GLC08567

The Gentleman's magazine. [August 1777]

Excerpt of the magazine, including pages 354- 404. Contains several letters pertaining to Generals George Washington and William Howe (British) discussing the exchange of prisoners. Includes various letters to Urban, the editor, pertaining to...

GLC08865

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A letter to Senator Bruce who was a member of the Education and Labor committee, from Dr. Tachmyrtis in regards to a positing on the Woodruff Scientific Expedition.

GLC09400.015

typewriter repair bill for R.C Bruce

GLC09400.577

Papers of George May Powell [decimalized]

The George May Powell collection contains personal and family correspondence. Also included are business papers relating to his Thirteenth Amendment anti-slavery photograph, his inventions, and his publications; a diary, letters, and essays...

GLC00687

to George May Powell

She reports that she is very satisfied with her progress, that she can take two steps. She has attended sermons given by Rev. Patton of New Haven, son of Rev. Patton of Ithaca, and she asks him to look into sending a walking chair from New York City...

GLC00687.038

to George May Powell

She writes that she is able to walk with canes outdoors. She expresses dismay that the walking chair would cost so much. Letter written at Round Hill.

GLC00687.039

to George May Powell

In response to a deal to sell George May Powell's Great National Picture in Mansfield, Redrussa has only sold one photograph.

GLC00687.055

The Fire-Proof Building Company of New York

The Fire-Proof Company of New York uses French hydraulic lime of Teil, one of the strongest cements known. Methods require the placement of incombustible material between partitions and open spaces. They list several New York locations which have...

GLC00687.156

Certificate of Tests

A certificate of tests reveals results of various burning experiments within Fireproof Buildings, with a list of accredited architects and other witnesses.

GLC00687.157

[Patents filed through 1859-1864 with patent numbers]

On the back is a description of a patent filed 1861/2/19 for a motion device for an artificial leg and ankle.

GLC00687.200

Powell's Patent Multiscope

He proposes a substitute for the expensive calcium light for viewing images, with an object that uses either sunlight or lamp light using a graphoscope, inserting a stereoscopic lens. Different lenses allow for different uses, including microscope...

GLC00687.205

[contract for artificial limbs]

The distribution of artificial limbs for maimed soldiers is to be advertised by the U.S. Christian Commission's Board of Surgeons.

GLC00687.207

to George May Powell

He writes about delivery of an express package. He discusses model arms.

GLC00687.208

to Condell Leg Manufacturing Corp.

He is interested in the cost of an artificial leg. His leg was amputated below the knee. He includes a sketch of his stump.

GLC00687.209

to A. F. Williams

He would like a Condell Limbs circular.

GLC00687.210

to A. F. Williams

He refutes Williams's claim that the leg he ordered was burned and "violently destroyed" upon delivery. He wants repair and offers to pay for express shipping.

GLC00687.211

to Mr. Condell

He lost his leg last August and would like a pamphlet of Cardell legs.

GLC00687.212

to George May Powell

He needs the arm he ordered and doesn't understand the lengthy wait. He is negotiating a contract with the local town to sell artificial limbs, with a store and a factory.

GLC00687.213

to A. F. Williams

He includes his measurements for a limb as well as a check for $75 for payment. He would like the limb as soon as possible.

GLC00687.214

to A. F. Williams

He requests a circular of artificial limbs. He lost his right arm and knows several other people who also need limbs.

GLC00687.215

to A. F. Williams

He read the advertisement in the Independent and needs a more durable artificial leg. He would like a price.

GLC00687.216

to George May Powell

He requests a left arm to be sent by express. Letter partially printed.

GLC00687.217

to George May Powell

He reports that the committee was pleased with the exhibit of their artificial limbs. He described their competition from Georgia and the mechanics of their limb movement. The committee will wait to make their decision after seeing more exhibits. A...

GLC00687.219

to A. F. Williams

He would like to purchase a limb and wants to know what the government subsidizes.

GLC00687.220

to A. F. Williams

He writes in regards to a local soldier with an amputated leg. His doctor recommended him to Mr. Douglass of Springfield for a limb, but perhaps their company can give him a better deal. He remarks on their competition in the city and inquires if...

GLC00687.221

to Mr. Condell

The Surgeon General gave him a circular of Condell limbs and he would like more information. He poses some specific questions about the locket. Letter's date reads April 26, but no year is given.

GLC00687.222

to A. F. Williams

The Surgeon General gave him a circular of Condell limbs and he would like more information. He poses some specific questions about the locket. Letter's date reads April 26, but no year is given.

GLC00687.223

to Sir

He is doing research to know who makes the best artificial leg.

GLC00687.224

to George May Powell

Now is the time for the company to act if they want to work in Georgia. If the company will pay his expenses, he will go and work out the same kind of contract they have in Tennessee, selling legs and arms for $125 from state factories

GLC00687.225

to Sir

He regrets not being able to provide the requested information. The artificial limb enterprise is greatly needed and many companies want to build factories in the South.

GLC00687.226

to A. F. Wiliams

He requests a circular for their artificial limbs.

GLC00687.229

to A. F. Wiliams

He wants to know when his limbs will be ready for him to pick up so he can plan.

GLC00687.230

to A. F. Williams

He read the Independent and as he lost his right arm, he would like their circular.

GLC00687.231

to J. W. Sullivan

Because George May Powell did not write with their proposition, he agrees to use efficient skill and energy to start with a plan listing people and their interest in the patent. Powell will raise necessary funds to set things in motion, and will...

GLC00687.232

to A. F. Williams

He would like to order a limb but would rather come to New York for a fitting rather than send in his measurements. He offers a couple of different ways to have a fitting.

GLC00687.233

to Condell Life Like Limb Company

They make arm and leg joints and supply some of the largest houses in the trade. Their style, satisfaction, and price will probably please the company.

GLC00687.234

to Lewis Brantz

Discusses his recommendation of Mr. Haessler, probably Ferdinand R. Hässler who was the first supervisor of the Survey of the Coast, to Virginia Governor James Pleasant. Recipient noted in a different hand. Formerly pasted with a printed label...

GLC00693.01

Rule for ascertaining the longitude by Chro. at Sunset

Details the procedure for obtaining longitude at sea based on the time of the sunset and latitude.

GLC00722.07

[Two letters to Thomas T. Craven] [Decimalized .01 and .02]

GLC00815

to Thomas T. Craven

Perry, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces on the western coast of Africa, writes from the U.S.S. Macedonia (off the coast of Monrovia) to Lieutenant Commodore Craven of the U.S. Brig Porpoise. He directs Craven to survey anchorage at Fish Town, near Cape...

GLC00815.01

to Thomas T. Craven

Canot writes to Lieutenant Commodore Craven about the building and rigging of ship to be named 'Le Pauvre Diable.' He asks to borrow a book on shipbuilding if possible, and asks for advice on how to rig his ship in "the American stile."

GLC00815.02

[Receipt for a $50 donation]

Receipt for a donation to the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures.

GLC00945.01

to Grady Porter

Carver, a celebrated agricultural chemist, requests peanut vines from Porter, a researcher from a peanut processing plant in Columbus, Georgia. In an attempt to assist Porter in peanut planting and diagnosing peanut disease, Carver states that...

GLC04207

Statement Showing expenditures on account of Magnetic Telegraph

Details the amount of money drawn from the Treasury, expenditure, and the balance left for the magnetic telegraph. Morse signed as Superintendent of the Electro Magnetic Telegraph. Entire right edge of paper is damaged with paper loss.

GLC04234

to Oliver Evans

Requests that Evans try out his engine against Watt's and promises that if Evan's's is in any way superior, there will be a good deal of interest in the engine.

GLC04331

to J. Dorsey re: progress in manufactures, system of weights & measures, decimal

GLC04491

to Edward P. Fry

Replies to Fry's letter stating that he will inform him of his partners' decisions as soon as he hears from them. Comments that he is convalescent and will probably pass through Philadelphia to New York soon. Advises that if a satisfactory...

GLC04503.02

to Edward P. Fry

Writes that he has just received word from his partners that a proprietor will contract to complete a telegraph line from Philadelphia to New York for $60,000 to be finished by 1 January 1845. Includes technical details about the line and how the...

GLC04503.03

to Mr. Law

Endorses the plans of Benjamin Latrobe for a canal on the eastern and western branches of the Potomac. Describes the proposed canal. Compares it's potential to bolster commerce to the Duke of Bridgewater's canal in Manchester (which Fulton had...

GLC04687

[Patent for Jacob Bromwell's improvement of the wheat fan, or winnowing machine and J.Q. Adams and Engraving of James Monroe and James Monroe]

Document signed by John Quincy Adams and James Monroe, 1 engraving of John Quincy Adams, and 3 engravings of James Monroe.

GLC04823

[Patent for Jacob Bromwell's improvement of the wheat fan, or winnowing machine]

Signed by James Monroe as President and countersigned by John Quincy Adams as Secretary of State and William Wirt as Attorney General. Features paper seal and green ribbon. On separate page, Bromwell's written description of his improvement is signed...

GLC04823.01

[Speech delivered to the Great Central Fair of Buffalo]

Former President Fillmore notes historic inventions and developments, such as the rail road, steam engine, and telegraph, that have shaped Buffalo since the city's 1832 Centennial Celebration. Refers to the farewell addresses of Presidents George...

GLC04884.02

[Expenditures for first telegraph between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore]

Records expenditures for many of the key components for the first telegraph line between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland. Entitled "United States in account with Samuel F. B. Morse." Includes traveling expenses, advertising, office...

GLC04894

to Sir John Anderson

A brief letter thanking Anderson (Chairman of the Advisory Committee to the [British] Government on Atomic Energy) for a note and calendar, mentioning the "constructive results from atomic energy."

GLC04935.03

A Narrative of the Two Aerial Voyages of Doctor Jeffries... (George Washington's copy)

"A narrative of the two aerial voyages of Doctor Jeffries with Mons. Blanchard; with meterological observations and remarks...." Printed for the author. Small folio format, signed on the titlepage by George Washington. Handsome tree-calf binding....

GLC04936

to Robert M. Patterson re: thanks for new electrotype, improving art of coining

Brief thank-you note, written in a shaky hand.

GLC04990

to unknown

Written by Rear Admiral Dahlgren to an unknown recipient. Dahlgren notes that "The Gunners perpendiculars & Levels you speak of must be some recently invented and highly skientific [sic] tools not generally known, as yet they are certainly beyond our...

GLC05058

[Patent for Otis Tufts' improvement in the power printing press]

Signed by Andrew Jackson as President. Countersigned by John Forsyth as Secretary of State and Benjamin Franklin Butler as Attorney General. Tufts' written description of his improvement is signed by Robert Henry Eddy and possibly Caleb Babbit as...

GLC05183

to Cyrus W. Field

James Buchanan congratulates Field on his transatlantic telegraph enterprise. "Under the blessings of Divine Providence, I trust it may prove instrumental in promoting perpetual peace and friendship between the Kindred nations." Informs Field that he...

GLC00162.03

to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Sends money for a subscription to Adams's paper "The Engineering News." Mentions Major Gardiner has been asked to officially submit the report on his case. Writes, "You asked Pope to deliver the address to Cadets -- [Jon] & Sherman?" Written on...

GLC00214.02.06

[Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead collection] [Decimalized .01- .28]

Twenty nine letters to Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead from other Congressmen, President Ronald Reagan and photographs of Washington officials.

GLC09613.01

To Congressman Carlos J. Moorhead

A thank you letter from Michael D. Crapo, the House representative for Idaho's second district, to Moorhead for his support against Congressman Obey's amendment to the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill which would kill research and development for...

GLC09613.01.23

Scientific American. [Vol. 6, no. 4 (January 25, 1862)]

GLC00005.02

[Journal of William Ellery's journey from Cranston, Rhode Island, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]

Discusses his travels through Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The bulk of the journal records the journey from Rhode Island to Philadelphia. Discusses a debate about blood chemistry and other medical matters that he...

GLC00107.05

to Nait

He describes an eclipse. He is hesitating about going to Spain because the country is a bit unsettled. He met an old friend who will tutor him in French. He expects to speak it tolerably well within four months.

GLC08284.072

to unknown

re: Dodge writes about the balloon the Union dispatched over the Confederates as well as sickness and despair that has befallen the soldiers. He also writes about the prices for food: "butter is .40cts a pound…potatoes…are 1.25a bushel and shugar is...

GLC02162.08

Instruments made for the artillery by Mr. John Lamb

Title from docket in Knox's hand. Mentions "callippors" (artillery calipers), quadrants, and scales.

GLC02437.00597

to Henry Knox

Colonel Nicola writes, "I lately took the liberty to trouble you with some remedies for the imperfections of shells, presuming you would rather be at the trouble to read ten useless schemes than run the hazard of loosing one good one I again trespass...

GLC02437.00700

to Henry Knox

Upon the direction of George Washington, provides a letter of introduction for a Mr. Belton, who was recommended by a member of the Continental Congress, to make "some experiments on the Enemies Ships." Requests that Knox assist Belton, give him...

GLC02437.00399

[Plans for siege of Boston Harbor][incomplete]

Discusses an oil fire at Nantucket, raises questions about plans to use an oil fire to destroy British ships in the Boston Harbour, and suggests making "an experiment on some small pond." A fragment from the middle of a document. For more on the...

GLC02437.00234

[Observations regarding the firing of artillery] [in French]

"Observations sur les causes qui derangement les portees des bombes, & sur les attentions qu'il faut avoir pour les tirer avec succes."

GLC02437.00705

Construction of a carriage for cannon which have their trunnions broken off [incomplete]

Drawing of a special carriage for a cannon, with the comment "A carriage for a Cannon if the trunnions be broken off. Many Cannon are mounted upon this construction at Boston." Trunnions are the knobs on both sides of a cannon that form the axis on...

GLC02437.00541

Some remarks on Mr. Ressons observations on the uncertainty in throwing shells & attempts to remedy the defects that occasion this uncertainty

Technical treatise on various aspects of shells, including the casting of shells using the mold of an iron pot, fuse cases, defects in mortars, the size of powder grains, and other details. A separate page, number nine, is a drawing illustrating...

GLC02437.00701

[Discussion of small cannon]

Discusses the observations of Maurice de Saxe on small cannon in his book Mes Réveries. Page two offers descriptions of figures sketched on page five, which are accomplished drawings of rifles and cannon mounts. On pages three and four, Nicola...

GLC02437.00703

to Andrew Johnson

Signed by Acting Rear Admiral Lee as Commander of the Mississippi Squadron to President Johnson. Lee says that John Mercer Brooke of Virginia, who is now in Richmond, is deserving of amnesty. Says Brooke was trained in the U.S. Navy, resigned to...

GLC02029.01

to [Arnold] B. Johnson

"The 'water-closet' is one of the gifts of modern civilization, & must always be taken into account when you select a house." Written to Johnson in Washington, D.C.

GLC02095.13

to John C. Spencer

Answers Spencer's questions about matters involving telegraphic conductors. Gives information on who will supply the pipe, pricing and payment, and delivery of it. States that he first found out about the deficiencies of the pipe on 6 December 1843...

GLC02113

to C. F. Manahan

Requests that Manahan make arrangements with Western Union Telegraph Company or the Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Company to connect lines with his private line. Offers to repeat a telephone lecture in Lowell [Massachusetts] as long as the lines are...

GLC02062

to Munn & Company

Written by Ericsson, the Swedish immigrant inventor responsible for building the first Union ironclad ship, to the Munn & Company as proprietors of the magazine "Scientific American." Writes that he is returning their article "on the subject of my...

GLC02106

to John C. Spencer

States that the lead pipe delivered by F.O. J. Smith, the contractors with Mr. Tatham and his brothers, is defective. Describes the main problem, "I find it defective in many points but particularly in the destructive effect that has been produced...

GLC02112

to Henry Knox

Writes that he has, pursuant to Knox's instructions, sent Captain [William] Stevens to Secretary at War [Benjamin] Lincoln with a section of a howitzer shell and a request that Lincoln order Mr. [John Jacob] Faesch to produce the number of shells...

GLC02437.01457

to Estelle Spero

Diamond discusses the trials of being so far from one's sweetheart. He recounts the story of his former sergeant, who had been engaged, but whose ex-fiancee is now using the bedroom set that he had purchased with her new husband. He mentions that...

GLC09120.403

to Estelle Spero

Diamond responds to a number of Estelle's letters. Regarding "that hotel deal," he writes that he regrets not having had "those few moments free from fears of curious eyes, of parental scrutiny, - just to be alone -." He informs Estelle that once...

GLC09120.420

to Mary Hughes

The weather; discussion with Rev. Dr. Baldwin about the origin of the races; photographs of his children; low opinion of Judge [Thompson] for not writing or assisting them.

GLC02166.082

to unknown re: design repairs, possibly for ironclad

GLC07010

to William J. MacNeven

Thanks MacNeven for sending a copy of Brande's Manual of Chemistry, in which MacNeven had made "valuable notes and amendments." Explains how he will use the volume for occasional reference.

GLC07148

Archive of Alexander Twining, including inventions, writings and patents [Decimalized .01- .07]

Twining was an astronomer, and invented an ice-making apparatus. The archive includes: supplement to patent application, bound handwritten scientific journal, essay, various letters and diagrams.

GLC07242

Astrology essay

An essay written by Alexander Catlin Twining on determining the distance between a location and the Earth's axis rotation. Notes made in side margins on page 1 and 2. Diagrams and illustrations on pages 3 and 10.

GLC07242.01

Supplemental information

A manuscript of supplamental information regarding Alexander Catlin Twining's patent application for an ice machine. There is a large illustration on page 2.

GLC07242.06

Scientific and Experimental Notebook

A scientific and experimental notebook of Alexander Catlin Twining. Twining's notebook contained notes, tables, graphs, diagrams, of observations he made and experiments he conducted. Experimental topics include, evaporation, condensation, velocity...

GLC07242.07

[Curtiss airplane blueprints]

A collection of blueprints detailing the parts of a Curtiss Jenny airplane; the type of airplane flown by Neta Snook. The blueprints come from the David D. Hatfield Aviation Collection.

GLC07243.007

[Canuck/Curtiss hybrid airplane diagrams]

The diagrams depict the Canuck plane Nook operated between 1919 and 1922. Diagrams include specific characteristics of the plane such as performance, size, and original colors.

GLC07243.008

[Autobiographical note related to Halleck's work at the New Almaden Quicksilver mines]

Written on a printed form "To be returned to S.F. Baird" in which Halleck gave his name, his occupation as engineer, his address as San Francisco, and his branches of interest as engineering and mining. In the notes section, Halleck gives a brief...

GLC07321

to Henry Dearborn

Lists the estimated costs of constructing the first steam-powered U.S. naval vessel. Fulton estimates that $25,000 will be required for three months, with the amount decreasing after that. Costs include materials, wages, and a monthly payment to the...

GLC02302