Additional Papers of John Randal Baker

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The collection contains notebooks covering Baker's undergraduate and research careers and notebooks relating to his biography of Abraham Trembley. Also included are miscellaneous notes, drafts and correspondence on scientific subjects, including the humane killing of crabs and lobsters.

The most substantial series in the Additional Papers consists of correspondence and notes on anthropology and race, and includes draft chapters of the book eventually published as Race. Includes correspondence about this with colleagues and publishers.

There is a small amount of general scientific and biographical correspondence, mainly photocopies.

Dates

Creation: c.1920-1980

Extent

57 shelfmarks

Language of Materials

English

Preferred Citation

Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MSS. Eng. misc. c. 907].

Please see our help page for further guidance on citing archives and manuscripts.

Full range of shelfmarks:

MSS. Eng. misc. c. 907-921; d. 1308-1313; e. 1478-1513

Collection ID (for staff)

CMD ID 11507

Additional Description

Biographical / Historical

John Randal Baker, FRS, 1900-1984, was an English biologist. Oxford educated, he was first a Demonstrator in Zoology (1923-1955) and then Reader in Cytology (1955-1967) at Oxford University. He conducted research in cytological techniques and the practical possibilities of different types of microscopy. In his later career he conducted research on the physical differences between races, culminating in the book Races.

He was the co-founder of the Society for Freedom in Science, and served as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer throughout its existence (1940-1962).

Other Finding Aids

A fuller description and detailed index are available in the Library.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The material was received from Dr. Baker's family in 1985 for cataloguing by the Contemporary Scientific Archives Centre and deposit in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, as stipulated in his will.