Roger J. Williams (1893-1988) was a biochemist and professor who did pioneering work in the fields of nutrition, human biochemical and physiological individuality, and public education. His early work at Oregon State University and the University of Oregon dealt largely with the biochemistry and nutritional importance of vitamins. He discovered pantothenic acid and did early work on, and named, folic acid. After arriving at the University of Texas, his interests shifted to the study of human individuality, particularly with respect to nutritional requirements. In a series of well-known books, he explored the implications of biochemical individuality for nutrition, disease prevention, and the treatment of alcoholism. While at the University of Texas, he founded the Clayton Foundation Biochemical Institute.
The Roger J. Williams Papers document Williams' career from 1920 through 1988. The bulk of the papers concern Williams' career at the University of Texas (1933-1988) and particularly his research and writing on biochemical individuality, nutrition, and disease prevention. His time in Oregon is represented by general correspondence files (1920, 1927-1939). Later general correspondence files (1939-1975) include administrative records of the Clayton Foundation Biochemical Institute. Records of Williams' work in biochemical individuality and its application to nutrition, alcoholism, and disease prevention include subject files, research notes, and correspondence, together with manuscripts of lectures and publications, editorial correspondence, and reader reaction letters. There are research notebooks recording the work on pantothenic acid (1930's), as well as correspondence and documents relating to the patenting of Williams' methods of synthesis (1939-1946). The papers also include teaching material.
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Roger J. Williams Papers, 1920-1988, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.
These papers are minimally processed. Please contact repository in advance for a collection inventory. This page represents an abbreviated series outline for the collection.
Correspondence
Writings - General
Books
Articles
Unpublished Writings
Lectures and Talks
Conferences
Patents
Research Data, Notes, Reports, Grant Materials
Subjects of Interest Files
Biographical Files
Clayton Foundation Biochemical Institute
Chemistry Department
University of Texas: Administration, Offices, Branches
American Chemical Society
National Academy of Science
Societies and Clubs
Teaching
Photographic and Audiovisual Material
Publicity
Assorted Personal Material