Examples of Collection
Guide to the Manuscript Collections in the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Phillips and Phillips, 1963.
(Printed; available at the ANS library only)
Below is a list of some of the terms found in the index when searching under "China" or "Japan":
Birds, China: 64
China: 341
Chinese paintings and watercolors of natural history: 476
Fishes, China: 624
Fishes, Siam: 628
Lefevre, Rufus H. 54; Chinese mammals: 587
Mammals, China: 64, 476
Mollusks, Japan: 459, 610, 643, 644, 645
Natural History, China: 476
I've written the names and details of some the collections that can be found using this guide here.
Dolan, Brooke, II, 1910?-1945. Papers, 1931-46. 184 items. Coll. 64.
"Sportsman, explorer, naturalist, and U.S. government Intelligence officer, Dolan was a member of our Board of Trustees and of the Library Committee for many years. His first expedition to Asia and Western China occurred in 1931 when he brought back valuable additions to the Academy’s collections. His second trip to Tibet and especially to Llasha occupied the years 1934-1936. As a result of this trip 3,000 bird skins and 150 mammals were added to the Academy’s collection. During the Second World War when an experienced man was needed by U.S. Intelligence Officer for a confidential mission in Asia, Brooke Dolan was chosen. His death while on duty was reported in August, 1945, his plane having come down in enemy territory. By his will a library of Tibetan books and many of his specimens came to the Academy. These papers consist of records and documents of the Asiatic Expeditions, correspondence in 1941 showing his various pre-war activities, and papers about his Memorial Meeting at the Academy in December, 1945."
What this collection includes...
Fielde, Adele Marion, 1839-1916. Coll. 341
"Naturalist, missionary, lecturer and suffragist, Miss Fielde’s letters are mostly written to Edward J. Nolan, former librarian of the Academy, dated from China, Europe, New York and Seattle, Washington. She was an Academy member, working here as a Jessup student in 1884, then going to China as a missionary where she continued studies of natural history…The letters contain much information about the natural history of China…"
Hirohito, Emperor of Japan, 1901- Letters addressed to Dr. Henry A. Pilsbry, 1926-49. 2 items. Coll 459
"When as a young man, the Emperor became interested in mollusks and wished to identify Japanese species, he turned to Pilsbry’s works, particularly as published in the Manual of Conchology. Pilsbry had made the only comprehensive studies of Japanese shells from specimens sent to him by collectors in the orient, the cabinet being retained at the Academy. A letter from the Emperor in Japanese, dated Dec. 21, 1926 extends his thanks to Pilsbry for securing for His Highness the Prince Regent, the Manual of Conchology, published by the Academy…"
Expeditions of The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 1812-1962.
This is a paper booklet that Professor Smith should have a copy of. Here are the entries relevant to East Asia.