Elon Eugene Byrd collection

Descriptive Summary
Title: Elon Eugene Byrd collection
Creator: Byrd, Elon Eugene, 1905-1974
Inclusive Dates: 1929-1966
Language(s): English
Extent: 2.7 Linear Feet 1 document box, 1 half box, 2 cartons, 1 oversized folder
Collection Number: ms2834
Repository: Hargrett Library
Abstract: The collection consists of materials belonging to Dr. Elon Eugene Byrd of the Parasitology Department at the University of Georgia. These materials were generated as a result of his research in Samoa during World War II and reflect his involvement in malaria research and his discovery of a new species of flukes. Also included in the collection is Byrd's diary of some of his activities, as well as correspondence, writings, lantern slides, film, plate blocks, Dr. Byrd's diplomas and theses, and a journal of bird studies.

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Collection Description

Historical Note

Dr. Elon E. Byrd served as Professor of Zoology at the University of Georgia in Athens, where he taught and did parasitological research for over forty years. Byrd was born in Richton, Mississippi, on 9 June 1905, where he received his early education. He received the Bachelor of Science degree in 1929 and a Master of Science degree in 1931, both from Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical College where he served as Instructor of Zoology until 1932. He graduated from Tulane University in 1934 with his Doctorate and immediately came to the University of Georgia as an Assistant Professor, eventually advancing to the rank of Professor.

During World War II Dr. Byrd served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific, where he was especially involved in malaria research and discovered a new species of flukes. After the war Byrd continued his work at the University of Georgia, retiring in 1972 as Professor Emeritus of Zoology.

Dr. Byrd, in association with colleagues and students, published approximately 100 papers, most of them on the taxonomy and life cycles of helminths. He remained active in helminthological research after his retirement, for he was working on several papers at the time of his death on 3 March 1974.

"In memoriam, Elon Eugene Byrd, 9 June 1905-3 March 1974." The Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 61, No. 2, April 1975.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Elon Eugene Byrd collection, ms2834, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

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Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

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Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

1. Filarial Research and Studies
		Series 1. Filarial Research and Studies is comprised of Byrd's research notes, data, diagrams, and many negatives, photographs, and printing blocks regarding parasitic worms, primarily in Samoa.
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1	1	Negatives
1	2	Negatives and photographs
1	3	Negatives and photographs
1	4	Photographs
1	5-21	Microscope diagrams
1	22	Diary from research in Samoan islands, March 1943-January 1944
1	23	Data for filarial research
1	24	Transmission of filariasis and filarial observations
1	25	Maps of Samoan area where research was conducted
1	26	Sanitary report for Public Health Department of American Samoa, 1943
1	27	Studies on filariasis in the Samoan area - complete study
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2	1	23 plate blocks (filarials)
2	2	20 rolls of film
2	3	50 glass slides

 

2. Correspondence
		Series 2: Correspondence is mainly comprised of incoming and outgoing letters that document Byrd's Navy career during World War II, including both administrative letters and those that document his work documenting filariasis as a member of the Malaria Control Board. Other correspondence is mainly outgoing, including some manuscript plates, and documents Byrd's efforts to get his work published in various scientific journals.
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1	28	U.S. Navy, 1942-1945
1	29	U.S. Navy, 1943-1944
1	30	Publication in American Microscopal Society, 1949-1950
1	31	Publication with Catholic University of America and the Heminthological Society of Washington, 1949
1	32	Publication in Journal of Parasitology , 1949
1	33	Publication in Journal of Parasitology , 1952-1955
1	34	Publication in Georgia Review, 1943

 

3. Student Work
		Series 3. Student Work contains materials from Byrd's Masters and Doctoral studies, including diplomas, thesis and dissertation, grades, and conference materials.
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1	1	Master of Science diploma from Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical College, 1931
1	2	Doctorate diploma from Tulane University, 1934
1	3	Master's Thesis: "Some Amphibians and Reptiles of Mississippi", 1931 June
1	4	Dissertation: "Life History Studies on Reniferinae (Trematode Digenea) Parasitic in Reptilia of the New Orleans Area"
1	5	Grade report, 1932
1	6	Programs from meetings of the Southeastern Biologists' Association, 1937-1958
1	7	Certificate of Enlistment in the U.S. Army, 1932 June

 

4. Research and Studies
		Series 4. Miscellaneous Research and Studies contains primarily bird and trematode research and studies from various points in his career.
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2	1	Bird study done while getting Master of Science , 1930 May
2	2	Bilharziella little bi study and diagrams, 1956
2	3	Trematode research and data
2	4	Trematode study and diagrams
2	5	Data for unknown study
2	6	Wildlife as Sentinels for Venezualan Equine Encephalomyelitis (study by Bigler and McLean)
2	1	Bats, birds, and racoons book of accounts

 

5. Oversized items

oversized_folder

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1B

15th Annual Naval Reserve Research Seminar Photograph and name listing

1B

12th Annual Naval Reserve Research Seminar Photograph and name listing

1B

Base Malaria Control Coverage Area Map of Espiritu Santo Island

1B

5th Construction Detatchment Camp at AUA map (and copy)

1B

Pago Valley Area Maps

1B

Maps