Paul S. Conger Papers, 1926-1966

Introduction

This finding aid was digitized with funds generously provided by the Smithsonian Institution Women's Committee.

Descriptive Entry

These papers were created by both Paul S. Conger and Albert Mann and document their research on diatoms. They include correspondence with colleagues concerning the identification of specimens, publications, and professional matters, circa 1929-1966; correspondence, notes, publications, newspaper clippings, and related materials regarding Conger's investigation of several Synura epidemics in the Washington, D.C., water system during the 1940s and 1950s; correspondence concerning a conference of cooperating microbiologists on fish food problems which was organized by Mann in 1926; correspondence concerning Conger's article on Wisconsin peat deposits, 1939-1941; photographs of Mann, circa 1920s-1930s; and glass plate negatives of diatoms, diatom habitats, collecting trips, collecting equipment, and general botanical subjects.

Historical Note

Paul S. Conger (1897-1979) was a botanist who specialized in the study of diatoms, microscopic components of plankton. He was the protege of Albert Mann (1853-1935), Diatomist of the Carnegie Institution of Washington (CIW). Mann was employed by the CIW but maintained his office and laboratory at the United States National Museum (USNM) where he also held the title of Honorary Custodian of Diatoms, 1913-1935. In 1922 Conger joined the staff of the Carnegie Institution and worked as Mann's assistant in the lab at the USNM. After Mann's death, Conger retained his affiliation with the CIW, serving as Research Associate, 1935-1943. Concurrently he was named Honorary Custodian of Diatoms at the USNM, 1935-1943; then Associate Curator, 1944-1966; and Botanist Emeritus of Cryptogams, 1967-1979.