Alexander Klemin Papers

Title:	Alexander Klemin Papers
Call Number:	MS 95-21
Size:	0.25 linear feet
Acquisition:	Purchased from Charles Apfelbaum Rare Books and Collections
Processed By:	JEO and MD, 4-21-1995; JEF, 7-2-1999; MN, 11-2012
Restrictions:	None

Literary rights were not granted to Wichita State University. When permission is granted to examine the manuscripts, it is not an authorization to publish them. Manuscripts cannot be used for publication without regard for common law literary rights, copyright laws and the laws of libel. It is the responsibility of the researcher and his/her publisher to obtain permission to publish. Scholars and students who eventually plan to have their work published are urged to make inquiry regarding overall restrictions on publication before initial research.

The Alexander Klemin Papers contain 27 letters from Alexander Klemin (1889-1950), aeronautical engineer, writer, and head of Guggenheim School at New York University, to William C. Schoolfield of Chance Vought Aircraft. The 27 letters and postcards, typed, signed, and dated from March 5, 1947 to June 30, 1948, track the process of writing and editing the International Handbook of Aeronautical Engineering. Klemin was an editor and author of the section “Aerodynamic Principle and Formulae.” Schoolfield was to be the author of the section entitled “Algebraic Methods and Correlation with Full Flight.” Also in this collection is an outline of a proposed handbook listing contributions from Boeing, Lockheed, Northrup, General Electric, and Westinghouse, and a list of European reviewers. The letters in this collection provide insight into the aircraft industry and the aircraft publishing industry.

Series 1	Box 1 FF 1	Outline. Concerns style for International Handbook of Aeronautical Engineering.
Series 2	Box 1 FF 2-40	Correspondence. Correspondence of Alexander Klemin and William C. Schoolfield, March 1947-June 1948.

 

Series 1 -- Outline
Box 1	FF 1	Outline for International Handbook of Aeronautical Engineering. (As of February 21, 1947). Concerns size, terminology, conciseness, etc. of submissions.
Series 2 -- Correspondence
Box 1	FF 2	March 5, 1947. Dr. Alexander Klemin writes Mr. William C. Schoolfield, inviting him to contribute to the Handbook. He is invited to write section 6, part 2. He lists three areas which he should cover. He also makes suggestions on how it should be presented. He would have 6 to 9 months for actual writing. Suggest he might care to drive down and visit, or he might in Bridgeport. He enclosed the handbook.
Box 1	FF 3	March 10, 1947. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Samuel J. Loring that he had suggested to Mr. William Schoolfield to visit Greenwich on the same day. Mr. Schoolfield is discussing the writing of Part 2, Section 6 on Performance.
Box 1	FF 4	April 2, 1947 Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield regarding I.H.A.E. He is pleased that he has accepted the invitation to write Section 6, part 2. Dr. Klemin lists what this will embrace. Agrees that he should proceed without too much regard to worn of other contributors and anticipate completion within six months.
Box 1	FF 5	April 4, 1947. Dr. Klemin sends a paper "An Approach to the Analytical Design of Aircraft," by Cherry and Croshere.
Box 1	FF 6	April 25, 1947. Mr. Schoolfield writes Dr. Klemin that he is returning the paper. There is a copy in the library which he refers to. Thanks him.
Box 1	FF 7	Blank postcard with Dr. Klemin's address.
Box 1	FF 8	May 1, 1947. Dr. Klemin writes the contributors in The International Handbook of Aeronautical Engineering that publishing arrangements have been concluded with The Macmillan Co. The letter coves all aspects involved in the publication.
Box 1	FF 9	May 14, 1947. Dr. Klemin writes to the contributors that they will receive a free copy of the handbook.
Box 1	FF 10	May 16, 1947. Dr. Klemin sends Mr. Schoolfield a Second Circular Letter. He also asked if he could send two or three "sample pages," so he could determine style.
Box 1	FF 11	June 9, 1947. Bradley Jones, University of Cincinnati, sends a tentative summary regarding the handbook. Writes he would be pleased to hear his comments.
Box 1	FF 12	June 10, 1947. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield that he would like to see two or three samples of his work within a week or two. He has received outlines from everybody except one or two.
Box 1	FF 13	June 14, 1947. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield that he has received a full outline form Professor Jones and enclosed a copy of his letter.
Box 1	FF 14	June 28, 1947. Mr. Schoolfield writes Dr. Klemin, enclosing two copies of the outline of section 6, part 2. Explains what he has done and if he has overlooked anything he hopes if will be pointed out to him. Will send some sample pages within two weeks.
Box 1	FF 15	July 1, 1947. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield regarding I.H.A.E. He has received the two outlines and find that they do not conflict with Professor Jones' work. Gives specific reply to some of the work. Finds nothing to criticize. Ask for a few sample pages.
Box 1	FF 16	July 21, 1947. A list of 19 different titled reviewed by Europeans for The International Handbook of Aeronautical Engineering.
Box 1	FF 17	July 22, 1947. Dr. Klemin informs Mr. Schoolfield that R. H. Page, Chief of Aerodynamics section of Westland Aircraft, has accepted to act as European reviewer of I.H.A.E., section 6, part 2.
Box 1	FF 18	July 23, 1947. Dr. Klemin reminds Mr. Schoolfield that he has not received the sample pages promised.
Box 1	FF 19	September 2, 1947. Dr. Klemin writes the Contributes in the International Handbook of Aeronautical Engineering with the latest developments. He lists these accomplishments. Progress is satisfactory and final deadlines have been set. He records these. Delay of one will retard the entire schedule.
Box 1	FF 20	September 5, 1947. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield that he shall await "sample pages" as arranged by telephone call.
Box 1	FF 21	September 22, 1947. Dr. Klemin, writes Mr. Schoolfield that Mr. Forbes Marn had visited him and showed him his section 11, part 2. Dr. Klemin is still trying to get Mr. Schoolfield to send his work in.
Box 1	FF 22	September 25, 1947. Mr. Schoolfield writes Dr. Klemin, enclosing material on section 6, part 2. Explains what it is. List two items, which occurred to him, for coverage in other sections of the handbook. Plan to correlate his work with Forbes Mann. Writes he is under great pressure at his own engineering work, but is planning to devote some time on the handbook.
Box 1	FF 23	October 3, 1947. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield regarding the handbook, which they had discussed on the telephone. Expects him October 11 with some references and one or two performance reports.
Box 1	FF 24	October 6, 1947. A postcard from Dr. Klemin to Mr. Schoolfield reporting that Joe Grandfield of United is coming October 11, so he can meet Schoolfield and is bringing his whole section with him.
Box 1	FF 25	October 13, 1947. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Forbes Mann regarding section 6, page 2.
Box 1	FF 26	October 21, 1947. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield concerning the handbook. Request telephone call.
Box 1	FF 27	November 4, 1947. Dr. Klemin confirms telephone call. Looks forward to seeing him November 15.
Box 1	FF 28	November 20, 1947. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield in regard to their visit, discussing the handbook's progress. Suggest he should amplify the section on estimation of drag and have a loon at Milliken's book. Mentions time taken to finish.
Box 1	FF 29	January 15, 1948. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield regarding the handbook asking if he is making progress.
Box 1	FF 30	February 11, 1948. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield regarding the handbook. He is entirely satisfied with ideas, arrangement and general approach. List several points to avoid and some to consider.
Box 1	FF 31	March 6, 1948. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield that since he received the excellent material about a month ago, he has heard nothing from him. Ask if he can try to send more, even if not in polished form.
Box 1	FF 32	March 15, 1948. Dr. Klemin sends thanks for the notes and item 3. “Splendid.” Requests another copy of these items.
Box 1	FF 33	April 7, 1948. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield that he has settled on May 15th as the absolutely, definite dateline for his section. Stresses the importance of his section on performance. Not necessary to present the material in too good shape. His own facilities and others will be available to put the finishing touches.
Box 1	FF 34	April 26, 1948. C. L. Skelley, The Macmillan Co. writhed Mr. Schoolfield that they are happy that a man of his standing is associated with the handbook. After the whole manuscript is in, several months of work will be necessary before completion. Emphasized necessity for hastening the work.
Box 1	FF 35	May 1, 1948. Dr. Klemin is again urging Mr. Schoolfield to completed his work.
Box 1	FF 36	May 10, 1948 Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield that he feels sad because of the little progress that he has made. Only five or six pages. Dr. Klemin gives many reasons why Mr. Schoolfield is missing an opportunity of distinction. Warns that time is running out. He reduces the assignment to three items, and will personally make the most of the report and sent it to him for approval. Makes other requirements. Will call on Mr. Baker if any difficulty arises. Relying on his having everything to me before leaving for vacation.
Box 1	FF 37	May 14, 1948. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield and enclosed pencil notes and typewritten copy. Ask him to indicate any errors. Mentions the young lady in question.
Box 1	FF 38	June 9, 1948. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield and enclosed an item 1B inducted drag and airplanes efficiency factor. Informs him of other tables added. Ask for closer identification of other graphs. Thinks it is an adequate survey of this topic, but will need editing.
Box 1	FF 39	June 17, 1948. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield that references in the report are not restricted and have been declassified. Nothing more recent than September 1945. Makes suggestions as how to proceed to full use of this report.
Box 1	FF 40	June 30, 1948. Dr. Klemin writes Mr. Schoolfield that he is happy he has prepared most of the curves that need identifications. Glad the notebook is now progressing. Makes the suggestion to consider one brief topic at a time. List the outline for seven topics. Included in this section are two paper 1B and 2A.

For information, please contact us at: Web site: http://specialcollections.wichita.edu
E-mail: specialcollections@wichita.edu
Telephone: 316-978-3590