Introduction

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

Descriptive Entry

These records provide partial documentation of the history of HSS, circa 1930-1993. They consist mostly of records maintained by HSS officers which concern annual meetings; membership; the work of HSS committees; the HSS Council; the publication of Isis, Osiris, and other HSS publications; elections of officers; HSS relations with other professional societies; financial matters; and prizes and awards granted by HSS. Also included are records concerning an HSS fundraising campaign started in 1983; files of the HSS Committee on Independent Scholars, 1986-1989; file of Nathan Reingold as chairman of the Conference on Science Manuscripts, 1960, which was co-sponsored by HSS; and copies of the HSS Newsletter.

Historical Note

The History of Science Society (HSS) was established in 1924 to ensure the future of Isis, the international journal founded by George Sarton in 1912. The purpose of HSS is to promote interest in the history of science, to provide a forum for discussion, and to encourage original research in the field. The Society meets these goals by holding annual meetings and other programs; by issuing Isis, Osiris, and other publications; by awarding prizes and medals for exceptional contributions to the field; and by cooperation with other professional groups. HSS is governed by a council consisting of the officers of the Society: a president, vice-president, executive secretary, treasurer, and editor of Isis; the ex-presidents of the Society; and fifteen additional members elected from and by membership of the Society.