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University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library

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Address:

1150 Beal Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2113, USA
bentley.ref@umich.edu

W. B. Pillsbury papers, 1858-1960 (majority within 1890-1942)

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Summary

Creator:
Pillsbury, W. B. (Walter Bowers), 1872-1960
Abstract:
Pillsbury was professor of psychology at the University of Michigan from 1897 to 1942. His papers include family and professional correspondence, University of Michigan materials, writings, and photographs.
Extent:
3.5 linear feet
Language:
English.
Call Number:
852269 Aa/2
Authors:
Finding aid prepared by: Bentley Historical Library staff

Background

Scope and Content:

The Walter B. Pillsbury papers consisting of correspondence, course materials, writings, and photographs documents the career of one of the significant leaders in the early development of psychology as a discipline. The collection was received in three principal accessions from Pillsbury and members of his family. The series in the collection are Biographical/personal, Professional Files, Photographs, and Family Papers.

Biographical / Historical:

Walter Bowers Pillsbury was professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, teaching first in the philosophy department and then helping to establish a psychology department. Pillsbury was born July 21, 1872 in Burlington, Iowa. He studied at Penn College, the University of Nebraska, and Cornell University where he received his Ph. D. degree in 1896. After teaching for a year at Cornell, Pillsbury in 1897 came to the University of Michigan as an instructor in psychology (in the philosophy department). In 1901, he became director of the psychology laboratory. In 1910, he was made full professor and in 1929, when the department of psychology was established, he was appointed chairman.

Before coming to the university, there were only occasional lectures in psychology, given by philosophy professors. Pillsbury introduced regular courses in psychology. He also established the psychological laboratory which introduced students to laboratory work and stimulated extensive experimentation with humans as well as animals. In his research and writing, Pillsbury was renowned for his work in the area of reasoning and attention, publishing monographs on both topics. He was skilled as a teacher and lecturer, and was a prolific writer. Pillsbury retired from the university in 1942 and died in 1960.

Acquisition Information:
The collection came to the library from different sources in three accessions. In 1960, Walter M. Pillsbury donated some of his father papers. Donor no. 2777 Additional papers came in 1979 from other family members, and in 1999, Paul W. Pillsbury donated family materials. Donor no. 8801

Subjects

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Subjects:
Psychology.
Voyages and travels.
World War, 1914-1918.
Laboratories -- Michigan -- Ann Arbor.
Formats:
Photographs.
Names:
Henry Russel Award (University of Michigan)
University of Michigan. Dept. of Psychology.
University of Michigan -- Faculty.
University of Michigan. Scientific Club.
Burton, Marion Le Roy, 1874-1925.
Cattell, James McKeen, 1860-1944.
Meyer, Adolph, 1866-1950.
Pillsbury, W. B. (Walter Bowers), 1872-1960.
Little, Clarence C. (Clarence Cook), 1888-
Adams, Henry Foster.
Allport, Floyd Henry, 1890-1978.
Angell, James Rowland, 1869-1949.
Arps, George Frederick, 1874-1939.
Bates, Henry Moore, 1869-1949.
Binet, Alfred, 1857-1911.
Boring, Edwin Garrigues, 1886-1968.
Cameron, Norman, 1896-
Gomberg, Moses, 1866-1947.
Hinsdale, W. B. (Wilbert B.), 1851-1944.
Hughes, Percy, 1872-1952.
Hull, Clark Leonard, 1884-1952.
Hutchins, Harry B. (Harry Burns), 1847-1930.
James, William, 1842-1910.
Johnston, Clarence Thomas, 1872-1970.
Judd, Charles Hubbard, 1873-1946.
Lewin, Kurt, 1890-1947.
Maier, Norman R. F. (Norman Raymond Frederick), 1900-1977.
Münsterberg, Hugo, 1863-1916.
Murchison, Carl, 1887-1961.
Seashore, Carl E. (Carl Emil), 1866-1949.
Titchener, Edward Bradford, 1867-1927.
Tolman, Edward Chace, 1886-1959.
Warren, Howard Crosby, 1867-1934.
Wenley, R. M. (Robert Mark), 1861-1929.
Wolfe, Harry Kirke, 1858-1918.
Woodburne, Lloyd S. (Lloyd Stuart), 1906-1992.
Woodward, Robert Simpson, 1849-1924.
Woodworth, Robert Sessions, 1869-1962.
Yerkes, Robert Mearns, 1876-1956.
Yoakum, Clarence Stone, 1879-1945.

Contents

Using These Materials

Info for Visitors

How to Request

Ordering Reproductions

Download PDF Finding Aid
RESTRICTIONS:

The collection is open for research.

USE & PERMISSIONS:

Donor(s) have not transferred any applicable copyright to the Regents of the University of Michigan. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials.

PREFERRED CITATION:

item, folder title, box no., W. B. Pillsbury Papers, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan

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Collection

W. B. Pillsbury papers, 1858-1960 (majority within 1890-1942)
Call Number 852269 Aa/2
Total components 42
Last indexed 2023-12-08