Collection MS 50 - Sir Robert Robertson

Identity area

Reference code

MS 50

Title

Sir Robert Robertson

Date(s)

  • 1894-1978 (Creation)

Level of description

Collection

Extent and medium

1.42 linear metres

Context area

Name of creator

Biographical history

Sir Robert Robertson, explosives expert and government Chemist, was educated at Bell-Baxter School, Cupar and St. Andrews University, where he graduated in both Arts and Science. His first appointment was that of assistant in the laboratory of the city analyst in Glasgow obtaining the post of analyst in the Royal Gunpowder Factory at Waltham Abbey. His work as Director of Explosives Research during the 1914-1918 War was recognised by the award of the KBE and in 1917 his election to the Fellowship of the Royal Society. In 1921 he was appointed Chief Government Chemist, a post from which he retired in 1936. He spent his retirement in Laboratory work on the structure of the diamond until he was called to war work during the Second World War. Sir Robert Robertson received many honours during his lifetime, including one for extreme bravery whilst with the Royal Gunpowder factory, and he was awarded an LLD from St. Andrews University in 1923.

Archival history

Unknown

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Reprints of articles, lectures and addresses; correspondence. The deposit consists mainly of a collection of re-prints on a wide variety of scientific subjects c.1894-1945, housed in box files, with author and subject index in separate folder. Some of the reprints originally included some correspondence. This has now been boxed separately with cross reference to the relevant reprint. There are also two boxes of personal testimonials written by Sir Robert Robertson with related correspondence. Item numbers in brackets correspond to original author and subject index number. [See also MS 50/19]

Accruals

Not expected

System of arrangement

Usually chronological within series.

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

Open for consultation subject to preservation requirements. Access must also conform to the restrictions of the Data Protection Act (2018), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, 2018) and any other relevant legislation or restrictions. Clinical information is closed for 100 years.

Conditions governing reproduction

Reproduction is available subject to preservation requirements. Charges may be made for this service, and copyright and other restrictions may apply; please check with the Duty Archivist.

Language of material

Script of material

Language and script notes

Physical characteristics and technical requirements

Paper

Finding aids

Descriptive list. Subject source lists and databases are also available.

Allied materials area

Existence and location of originals

Existence and location of copies

Related units of description

Related descriptions

Notes area

Alternative identifier(s)

Access points

Subject access points

Place access points

Name access points

Genre access points

Description control area

Description identifier

MS 50

Rules and/or conventions used

Description compiled in line with the following standards: International Council on Archives, ISAD(G) General International Standard Archival Description; International Council on Archives, ISAAR(CPF): International Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons, and Families; National Council on Archives, Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997

Status

Catalogued

Dates of creation revision deletion

Language(s)

  • English

Script(s)

Sources

Accession area

Related subjects

Related people and organizations

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Related places