Foundation & Patents Archives
For more than a hundred years, Research Corporation for Science Advancement has pioneered trends in science and education, funded scientific research, and helped scientists solve some of the great questions in the history of science. We encourage use of our historical archives for teaching, scholarship and research, and we endeavor to provide access to those who request it.
Foundation Archives 1912-2012
- Download the RC Archives Box and Folder List
- Search the list to find documents you wish to view.
- Contact us with specific box and folder numbers of the materials desired.
- Request an appointment to view those materials at RCSA’s office..
- For more recent information, contact us and documents of interest may be emailed to you.
Patents Archives
From 1935 until 1987, Research Corporation was in the business of patent management. The Patents Archives, contains materials ranging from 1936 to 1988, including correspondence, patents, publications, news clippings, and legal documents pertaining to the creation and management of some of the most significant inventions of the twentieth century.
Of particular interest to researchers may be the papers pertaining to the patents of Jay Forrester, inventor of random-access, coincident-current magnetic storage; Nicholas Milas, whose work dealt with peroxides, the synthesis of Vitamin A and Vitamin D homologs; Charles Townes, who invented the laser and maser; and Robert Van de Graaff whose Van de Graaff generator was used in early atom-smashing and high energy X-ray experiments.
Archives Access Policy
Use of our archives is at RCSA’s discretion, and we reserve the right to deny or limit access if it compromises the collection or interferes with RCSA operations.
Visiting our archives:
- Appointments may be made during regular office hours, which are generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
- Visitors must follow RCSA’s current policies regarding prevention of contagious illness in the workplace.
- Materials will be viewed on RCSA’s premises and may not be removed.
- You may use RCSA’s photocopier free of charge.
- You may bring your laptop, tablet or phone and take research images (not for publication) without flash or additional lighting and/or equipment.
- We ask you to help us maintain the accessibility of our archives by viewing one folder at a time and keeping all documents in order.
- We ask that you help us preserve the condition of our archives by handling with care. This includes refraining from:
— eating or drinking while handling materials
— adding or erasing marks, or writing on documents
— adding sticky notes or tags
— removing documents from protective coverings
— bending, folding or manipulating materials to get a better image
Acknowledgment and use:
- Access to our materials does not imply permission to publish.
- RCSA requests citations if our materials are used, displayed or published.
- RCSA does not claim to control all rights to materials in our archive. You assume responsibility for determining whether any materials you may use for teaching, scholarship or publication are protected under U.S. Copyright law or fair use, and for securing whatever rights are needed.