David R. Inglis Papers

A namesake and descendent of David Rittenhouse, one of early America's preeminent physical scientists, David R. Inglis enjoyed a career in nuclear physics that ranged from theoretical work on the structure of the nucleus in the 1930s to the development of the atomic bomb in the 1940s to the protracted struggle against nuclear weaponry and nuclear power. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 10, 1905, Inglis graduated from Amherst College (1928) before receiving his doctorate from the University of Michigan in 1931 for a dissertation on energy relations in complex spectra.

Like many ambitious young scientists of his generation, Inglis traveled abroad to strengthen his credentials. Well versed in current issues in the field from having attended the series of symposia on theoretical physics held in Ann Arbor, Inglis spent a year in Heidelberg, immersing himself in the rapidly developing field of quantum mechanics. When he returned to the States in 1933, however, he found himself in a state of academic vagabondage, passing through a succession of faculty positions at Ohio State (where he met and married Dorothy Kerr), Pittsburgh, and Princeton before landing at Johns Hopkins in 1938. There, he devoted himself to developing a program in experimental nuclear physics while conducting significant research on the nature of spin-orbit coupling in 7Li. When later confirmed, this work is believed, as Hanna et al. (1997) report, to represent the first assignment of an excited nuclear level based on a microscopic quantum mechanical theory.

Inglis' tenure at Hopkins was interrupted by wartime service with the Ballistics Research Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Grounds (1943) and the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos Laboratory, N.M. (1943-1946). He returned to civilian life in 1946 and to his work on atomic structure and angular distribution studies, but the war was clearly a watershed in the development of his commitment to what he called public affairs. Having gained an insider's perspective on nuclear annihilation, he gradually turned against nuclear power. Joining the Argonne National Laboratory as a senior scientist in 1949, Inglis spent two decades in the development of peaceful uses for nuclear power, but more notably, he emerged as a prominent figure in the nuclear disarmament movement. As a founding member of the Federation of American Scientists and participant in the Pugwash conferences during the 1950s and 1960s, Inglis was an prominent voice for rationality in discussions of nuclear weaponry. As early as 1951, he called for the creation of a federal agency for arms control and disarmament (not established for another nine years later), and both in congress and before the public, he lobbied steadily for nuclear disarmament and for a partial nuclear test ban (approved in 1963), and against nuclear proliferation and the development of antiballistic missiles. A series of articles he published in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Saturday Review, and the New Republic were influential in raising public awareness of the dire implications of radioactive fallout, the hydrogen bomb, and the complexities of international arms control.

After retiring from Argonne and joining the faculty at UMass Amherst in 1969, Inglis' activism expanded to include a concern with American energy policy. Calling attention to the critical problems of global dependence on fossil fuels and the dubious safety of nuclear reactors and long-term waste storage, Inglis became an advocate for alternative energy, particularly wind power, writing several books and chapters on nuclear and alternative energy. He felt a strong responsibility, as he wrote, for establishing a dialogue between scientists and the public as the best means of preserving democracy.

A highly prolific writer, Inglis contributed dozens of articles both in theoretical physics and public affairs over the course of his career, and was recipient of a number of honors and awards, including honorary degrees from Amherst College (1963) and the University of Illinois (1973), and the Leo Szilard Award for Physics in the Public Interest (1974) for his work on the social and strategic implications of nuclear energy. Inglis retired from UMass in 1975 and over the last several years of his life, continued occasionally to contribute to public debates. Inglis and his wife Betty (Dorothy) moved into the Applewood retirement community in September 1991. Betty died in 1993, followed by David died on December 3, 1995.

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The papers of David R. Inglis offer a perspective on the life and career of a theoretical physicist who grew from an early involvement in the Manhattan Project to becoming a committed critic of nuclear weaponry and nuclear power. Although the collection is relatively sparse in unpublished scientific work, it includes outstanding correspondence relating to Inglis's work with the Federation of American Scientists and other organizations, and his efforts to influence public policy on issues relating to nuclear power. The collection also includes the majority of Inglis' scientific publications and his published contributions on public affairs, as well as selected subject files, course notes, and lab notes. The later materials in the collection reflect Inglis's late-career work in alternative energy.

Among the collection's highlights are copies of notes distributed at Los Alamos University in 1945-1946, including Teller and Konopinski on quantum mechanics and Schiff and Baroody on statistical mechanics; Inglis' notes from his work at Argonne National Laboratories; and a six part oral history conducted with Inglis in 1989, looking back at his career.

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Series 1. Correspondence 1945-2003 1.25 linear ft.

Although the series contains few letters on purely scientific matters, Inglis's correspondence is a rich and valuable resource for study of the social and political turmoil afflicting the American nuclear physics community from the end of the Second World War to the early 1960s. With a distinctly liberal conscience, Inglis was deeply immersed in professional organizations responding to controversies over loyalty issues and security clearances during the early years of the Cold War, and beginning in the mid-1950s, he took a leading and -- at least for some co-workers at Argonne National Laboratory -- controversial role as an advocate for non-proliferation, disarmament, and a nuclear test ban.

Of particular note, Inglis's correspondence contains an interesting and important series of letters documenting Inglis's work with the Federation of American Scientists from 1946-1960, and less extensive correspondence relating to his activities with the World Association of World Federalists and the World Federation of Scientific Workers. Founded in 1945 by scientists from the Manhattan Project, the FAS regularly addressed key issues in American public policy, especially with regard to the potential dangers of nuclear weaponry and other scientific and technical advances. The series also contains interesting correspondence relating to Inglis's lobbying efforts for nuclear disarmament, including letters to and from public officials from President Dwight Eisenhower to Senators Everett Dirksen, Hubert Humphrey, and Paul Douglas, and the editorial boards of several newspapers and magazines.

Also worthy of note are letters and documents pertaining to the establishment of the Midwest Nuclear Theorists's Group and the Nuclear Theorists's Group at Argonne National Laboratory, and some correspondence relating to the possibility of siting nuclear reactors underground, including a fine letter from Edward Teller.

Series 2. Subject files 1929-1976 2.25 linear ft.

Materials associated with Inglis, primarily during his . Inglis' increasing interest in disarmament is reflected in SIPRI.

The series also includes correspondence from Inglis' publishers regarding his book Nuclear Energy Its Physics and Social Challenge (including some interesting reviewers' comments on the manuscript), from the editors at Encyclopedia Britannica regarding his entry on the atomic nucleus, and drafts and notes on several of his articles on disarmament and related topics. The materials relating to Inglis' involvement in two UMass Amherst initiatives -- the Global Survival Program (1972-1973) and the review committee for the Institute for Man and His Environment (1971-1974) -- offer some insight into faculty efforts during the early 1970s.

Finally, the series includes a useful series of spiral-bound research notes kept by Inglis during his period at the Argonne National Laboratory (1955-1968) and as a visiting scientist at CERN (1957-1959).

Series 3. Course Notes 1945-1965 0.5 linear ft.

Mimeograph and other copies of notes distributed for courses attended by Inglis on topics in nuclear physics. Of particular interest are notes from two courses taken at "Los Alamos University," formed by Hans Bethe and Enrico Fermi during the last days of the Manhattan Project: Teller and Konopinski's "Introduction to Quantum mechanics" and Schiff and Baroody's "Statistical Mechanics."

Series 4. Publications by Inglis (Reprints) 1929-1980 0.5 linear ft.

Reprints of technical and "public affairs" articles by Inglis from throughout his career. The articles, mostly reprints and offprints, are filed alphabetically by title.

Series 5. Audiovisual 1989 1.0 linear ft.

In 1989, Inglis agreed to take part in an extensive series of oral history interviews, discussing his perspective on the history of nuclear physics since the 1920s, with particular focus on the development of nuclear weaponry and nuclear power. The videotapes have been transcribed (see Ser. 1: Oral History) and edited.

The series also includes a dvd of Inglis lecturing to Allan R. Hoffman's undergraduate, non-major course at UMass on energy and arms control, where he discusses the Manhattan Project and the atomic bombing of Japan.

Series 1. Correspondence 1946-1981 1.5 linear ft.

Ajzenberg, Fay 1953

American Academy of Arts and Sciences 1958

William Davidon plans a summer study on international arms control.

American Friends Service Committee 1953-1960

Includes draft of "An appeal to President Eisenhower" and press release regarding Formosa Straits crisis.

Appeal to the British Physicists Against Hydrogen-bomb Testing by the Undersigned Japanese Physicists 1957

Argonne National Laboratory. Nuclear Theory Working Group 1962-1963

Correspondence and memos regarding organization of the group, including 2 TLsS from Eugene Wigner, TLS from Aage Bohr, Akito Arima, Arthur K. Kerman, and Richard Ferrell.

Plan of Organization and Statement of Operating Policy 1946 June 14

Arima, Akito 1962

Association of Scientists for Atomic Education 1946-1948

Includes "Policy guide for atomic education."

Austern, Norman 1956-1963

Baltimore Association of Scientists. Constitution Undated

Bayman, Benjamin 1966

Bethe, Hans newspaper clipping Undated

Bloch, Robert 1955

Offprint of article, "On responsibility of scientists," signed by Bloch.

Bohr, Aage 1962

Letter to Bohr on summer plans.

Bouchez, Robert 1970

Bradbury, Norris E. 1946

Memo from Inglis on "Philosophy of the Laboratory" and future development of weapons [Los Alamos]

Breit, Gregory 1949

Brown, Harrison 1958

Statement before the Senate Subcommittee on Disarmament.

Brueckner, Keith 1961

Re: Institute for Defense Analyses.

Cahn, Anne H. 1970

Chandrasekhar, S. 1953

Chicago Committee on a Sane Nuclear Policy 1959

See also National Committee on a Sane Nuclear Policy.

Chicago Daily News 1959

Letter to the editor re: nuclear test ban.

Church, Frank 1960

Cockroft, J. D. 1950

Re: International Nuclear Physics Conference.

Cole, Michael 1962

Collins, Thomas 1960

Re: writing an editorial on nuclear policy in the Chicago Daily News.

Compton, Arthur H. 1952-1953

Condon, E. U. 1954

Statement of support concerning Condon in obtaining security clearance.

Conferences 1951-1974

Correspondence, programs, and other organizational material relating to scientific conferences.

Conferences 1951-1961

Conferences 1962-1964

Conferences 1965-1968

Conferences 1969-1974

Court, Andrew T. 1958

Cromer, Alan H. 1959

Darrow, Karl K. 1954-1956

American Physical Society conferences.

Dieke, G. H. 1948

Dirksen, Everett M. 1959

Disarmament 1957-1960

Includes letter to Senate Subcommittee on Disarmament, Statement by 18 German Physicists Barring Work on Nuclear Weapons (1957); Dept. of State Press Release re: Soviet experts in Geneva (1959); "A scientific approach to the disarmament problem," Address delivered by M. Mooney at a luncheon of the Society of Rheology, 1959; Recommendations from a Conference to Plan a Strategy for Peace, Arden House, 1960.

Disarmament Background Series 1957-1958

Press releases from White House Disarmament Staff.

Douglas, Paul 1959

Duerr, Hans Peter 1957

Dulles, John Foster 1953

Disarmament (from Federation of American Scientists).

Dyson, Freeman 1960

Re: Hans Bethe and prospect of a fission-free bomb.

Dynamo theory of the earth's magnetic field 1981

Eisenhower, Dwight D. 1959

Press release from the White House on the detection and identification of underground nuclear tests.

Elliott, L. G. 1953

Farley, Philip J. 1958-1959

Includes notes on the Fourth Country Problem.

Federation of American Scientists 1946-1960

Re: issues over loyalty, House Un-American Activities Committee, the atomic bomb, and some organizational information on Baltimore chapter of FAS.

Federation of American Scientists 1946-1947

Federation of American Scientists 1948 Jan.-July

Federation of American Scientists 1948 Aug.-Dec.

Much on civilian vs military control of the atomic bombs; loyalty problems and clearance, the E.U. Condon case; Scientists Committee on Loyalty Problems; House Un-American Activities Committee.

Federation of American Scientists 1949

Federation of American Scientists 1951

Federation of American Scientists 1952

E.U. Condon case; McCarthy; House Un-American Activities Committee.

Federation of American Scientists 1953

Disarmament.

Federation of American Scientists 1957

Federation of American Scientists 1960

Federation of American Scientists. Scientists' Committee on Loyalty Problems 1948

Ferrell, Richard A. 1962

Flanders, Donald A. 1952

Fohl, Lois 1958

Foster, Henry 1974

Fowler, John M. 1959

French, J. Bruce 1957-1963

Gerjuoy, E. 1953

Ghiorso, Albert 1962-1963

Gold, Louis 1950

Goldberger, Arnold 1961

Gove, Harry E. 1957

Graff, Robert 1971

Guth, Eugene. Blueprint for peace Undated

Hafner, Everett Mark 1954

Halliday, David 1952-1957

Harpers Magazine 1959

Hellund, Emil 1954

Correspondence with and about Hellund, a colleague imprisoned on an unspecified morals charge seeking Inglis's help finding a position as theoretical physicist.

Herter, Christian 1960

Hough, Paul V. C. 1953

Hudspeth, Emmett L. 1954

Humphrey, Hubert H. 1958-1960

Correspondence (to Humphrey) and press releases relating to disarmament and test ban.

Ichimura, Munetake 1967

Indiana University 1963

Inglis, David R. Certificate of participation in the Manhattan Project 1945 Aug. 6

Inglis, David R. Notes and drafts of letters regarding nuclear weapons 1960

Includes photocopy of Freeman Dyson's "Future development of nuclear weapons."

Inglis, David R. Notes on pear-shaped nuclei 1955

Inglis, David R.: Publications, drafts and correspondence 1960-1971

The Atom and Malthus 1970

Draft and correspondence.

Nuclear Energy 1971

The Role of Communications in Avoiding the Worldwide Diffusion of Nuclear Weapons capabilities (preliminary draft) 1960

Test-ban Agreement or Resumption of Tests? 1960

Janushkovskaya, Dr. 1971

Jauch, Joseph M. 1954

Jordan, Walter H. 1970-1971

Kahn, Herman 1959

Kerman, Arthur 1962

Kern, Paul J. 1948

Invitation to join the Consumers Union Board, which is likely to be targeted by the Thomas Committee.

Kistiakowsky, George B. 1959

Knox, Carol B. 1970

Lane, Anthony M. 1955

Langford, Cooper H. 1963

Lapp, Ralph 1958-1960

Laucks, Irving F. 1959

Includes a copy of Laucks' pamphlet, Preparedness for Peace: Proposal for a First Step.

Lawson, Bob 1957

Lee, Kiuck 1957-1963

Lee, Linwood L. 1954

Levinger, Joseph S. 1960

Lipkin, Harry 1962

Litherland, A. E. 1957

Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory 1945-1947

Includes memo from J. Robert Oppenheimer of future of Los Alamos (1945).

Magnuson, Warren G. 1959

Malin, Murray E. 1961

Manley, John 1946-1956

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1961

Seeking job openings.

Mayer, Maria 1972

Notes on recollections of Mayer.

McMahon, Brien 1949

McVay, Kirk 1962

Meikeljohn, Donald 1954

Midwest Nuclear Theorists 1963-1970

Correspondence and organizational materials for Nuclear Theorists' Group; records of meetings; correspondence with George Volkoff.

Milich, Paul W. 1948

Miller, John 1959

Mooney, Melvin 1960

Mottelson, Ben R. 1961

Mukherjee, Shankar N. 1969

National Broadcasting Company 1960

National Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy 1959-1960

National Planning Association. Committee on Security Through Arms Control 1958-1960

National Science Foundation. Testimony on a proposed National Science Foundation delivered by Professor H. C. Wolfe... 1948

New Republic 1959=1960

Letters to the editor.

Newspaper clippings Undated

Mostly on arms negotiation.

New York Times 1957-1960

Letters to the editor.

Northern Illinois University 1973-1974

Notes and fragments Undated

Ohnuma, S. 1959

Pal, Manoj Kumar 1957

Perrin, Francois 1959

Peterson, Gerald 2003

Physics Teacher 1968

Polvani, G. 1955

Porter, C. E. 1955

Redish, Edward F. 1968

Richards, Hugh T. 1952

Ridenour, Louis N. 1954

Roberts, Walter 1956

Roman, Paul 1964

Rosenzweig, Norbert 1959

Roser, Francis X. 1949

Rotary Club of Philmont (N.Y.) 1973

Russek, Arnold 1957-1958

Rustgi, Moti 1957

Seitz, Frederick 1952

Smith, J. H. 1968

Smith, Ralph Carlisle 1947

Spiro, Herbert 1963

Sperry-Rand Research Center 1961

Stassen, Harold E. 1957

Stevenson, Adlai 1960

Stone, I. F. 1960

Strauss, Louis E. 1959

Includes letter of reprimand to Inglis for Strauss' nomination before the Senate Commerce Committee.

Stubbins, Warren F 1955

Teillac, Jean 1962

Temmer, George M. 1966

Thaler, R. M. 1961

Thomas, Norman 1959

Post-War World Council and National Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy are organizing public hearings on the meaning of war in a nuclear age.

Thompson, Frank 1959

Trinklein, Frederick E. 1969

Tsipis, Kosta 1971

Tucker, Charles R. 1970

Turner, L. A. 1956

Underground nuclear reactors 1960-1974

Correspondence and notes relating to siting nuclear reactors underground. Includes 2p. TLS from Edward Teller.

University of California 1946

University of Texas 1952

Uretsky, Jack 1961

Vallarata, Manuel S. 1954

Van Allen, J. A. 1951

Visscher, William M. 1956

Vogt, E. W. 1963

Volkoff, George M. 1963-1964

Waldman, Bernard 1954

Wattenberg, Albert 1955

Way, Kay 1954-1955

Weinberg, Alvin 1970

Wigner, Eugene 1959-1970

Wilson, Robert R. 1948

Workshop on World Disarmament 1952-1953

World Association of World Federalists 1957

World Federation of Scientific Workers 1948-1971

Wu, T. Y. 1955

Yarmolinski, Adam 1960

York, Herbert 1960

Series 2. Subject files 1929-1976 0.5 linear ft.

Series 3. Course Notes 1945-1965 0.5 linear ft.

Series 4. Publications by Inglis (Reprints) 1929-1980 0.5 linear ft.

Series 5. Audiovisual 1989 1.0 linear ft.

For transcripts, see Ser. 1: Oral History. Interviewers: Roy Cook, Ted Harrison, Francis Pichanick, Monroe Rabin, Janice Shafer, Morton Sternheim.

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