K/PP178/2: Papers relating to scientific research, 1948-1976, chiefly in DNA

References on this page: K/PP178/2

K/PP178/2/1

1936, 1948-1951

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notebook relating to Wilkins’ physics degree, 1936, and microscopy research, 1948-1950

Maurice Wilkins’ laboratory notebook with notes made as a physics undergraduate, St John’ College, Cambridge, 1936, and used subsequently for his microscopy research at King’s College London, 1948-1950, with reference to topics including refraction in minerals and the mechanical properties of crystals and thermal conductivity. Also related loose papers, including graphs, notes, diagrams and correspondence

1 file

K/PP178/2/2

1936, 1956

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notebook relating to Wilkins’ physics degree, 1936, and to DNA research, 1956

Maurice Wilkins’ laboratory notebook with notes made as a physics undergraduate, St John’s College Cambridge, Apr 1936, including formulae, circuit diagrams, line graphs and current and voltage readings, relating to topics including the use of a Kelvin Bridge, diodes, and the measurement of electro-magnetic frequency. Wilkins subsequently used the notebook in the Medical Research Council (MRC) Biophysics Unit, King’s College London, 1956, for research notes relating to an article on nucleoprotein (possibly ‘Physical studies of the molecular structure of deoxyribose nucleic acid and nucleoprotein’, published in Cold Spring Harbor Symposia on Quantitative Biology, 1956), including notes on the sources of DNA samples (loligo and sepia squid sperm), comment on the measurements obtained from x-ray diffraction photographs, whether samples were wet or dry, and the humidity at which the photograph was made. Also results obtained from sea urchin DNA samples. Original volume title ‘DNA Wilkins 1956’

1 vol

K/PP178/2/3

1947-1951, 1975-2000

Papers of M H F Wilkins: Wilkins’ laboratory notebook relating to DNA research

Maurice Wilkins’ laboratory notebook containing notes, diagrams and data relating to DNA research, including: notes by William Etienne (‘Bill’) Seeds on tissue sample results, and on the Burch reflecting microscope (possibly relating to Seeds and Wilkins’ article, ‘a simple reflecting microscope’, published in Nature, Aug 1949); notes relating to research on Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) crystals, 1949, including notes on Alexander Stokes’ theory of a helical structure; early microscope-based analysis of calf thymus DNA fibres supplied by Rudolf Signer, including data from birefringence experiments. Loose items include graphs, notes on experiments, specifications for a microscope and later photocopy notes, on the history of DNA research. Original volume title ‘Wilkins 1947 1951’

1 vol, 17 loose items

K/PP178/2/4

1947-1952

Papers of M H F Wilkins: Bruce Fraser’s laboratory notebook relating to DNA research

Laboratory notebook compiled by (Robert Donald) Bruce Fraser as a research student, Medical Research Council Biophysics Unit, King’s College London, containing notes and diagrams relating to DNA experiment methodologies and results, including: infra-red spectroscopy results obtained from rolled sheet DNA supplied by Rudolf Signer, 1950; statistical comparison of results obtained from Signer-supplied DNA and thymus DNA prepared by Mary Fraser; sketches of DNA chemical structure. Original volume title ‘Fraser DNA etc 1950-‘

1 vol

K/PP178/2/5

1948-1950

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notes on ultrasonic experiments by Wilkins and Geoffrey Selman

Manuscript notebook relating to ultrasonic experiments on different cell types, conducted by Wilkins and Geoffrey Selman, Department of Physics, King’ s College London. Volume includes notes on methodology, apparatus, results and loose notes, graphs, diagrams and related correspondence.

1 vol

K/PP178/2/6

[1949-1951]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: data relating to DNA experiments

Graphs and notes on the results of DNA experiments conducted by Wilkins, including: the refractive index of some ultra-violet transmitting liquids; the dichroism of dry and wet Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) samples: notes and graphs of wavelength experiments on sepia sperm DNA; notes on observations of the dissymmetry and alteration in the structure of sample solutions of thymus nucleic acid. Original file title ‘Old experimental results’

1 file

K/PP178/2/7

1950, 1955

Papers of M H F Wilkins: x-ray diffraction images of B form DNA and images obtained with a Lipson diffractometer

Photographs, glass slides and negatives of B form DNA optical transform patterns, and images of dotted outlines of the spots on the B form pictures, obtained with an optical diffractometer developed by Henry Lipson (1910-1991). Clive Hooper, Bill Seeds and Alec Stokes wrote an account of their adaptation of the Lipson method for macro molecules such as DNA, ‘Photographic Preparation for the Large Molecules for the Lipson Diffractometer’, published in Nature, Volume 175, 16 Apr 1955, p679-681. File also includes photographs of early models of DNA structure, [1950]. Original file title ‘File Lipson data’

1 file

K/PP178/2/8

1950-1953, 1980

Papers of M H F Wilkins: DNA x-ray diffraction images

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) x-ray diffraction negatives and photographs, including DNA extracted from calf thymus, cuttlefish sperm, mice, humans, herring and from white blood cells. Some original negative envelopes and some prints are captioned, and some negatives are fragile. Also brief notes on images photographed, 20 Mar [1952], with note in Wilkins’ hand relating to the date Herbert Wilson joined the Medical Research Council Biophysics Unit, King’s College London, Sep 1952. Also later note, 3 Jul 1980, relating to the borrowing of two images by Watson Fuller (lecturer in Biophysics, King’s College London, 1963-1967 and subsequently Professor of Physics, 1973-2002)

1 file

K/PP178/2/9

1950-1951

Papers of M H F Wilkins: copy letters from Wilkins to Roy Markham

Photocopy letters from Wilkins to Roy Markham, Plant Virus Research Unit,Cambridge, detailing Wilkins’ research on X-ray diffraction images of nucleic acid and requesting further supplies of nucleic acid from Tobacco Mosaic Virus, prepared by Markham’s Unit. Quality of some photocopy images is poor

5 items

K/PP178/2/10

[1950-1960]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: images relating to DNA

Glass plate slides, acetates, photographic prints and negatives of DNA subjects including models, x-ray diffraction photographs, and DNA sample sources, including stretched locust sperm

15 items

K/PP178/2/11

[1950]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: electron microscope photographs of locust nuclear membrane

Electron microscope photographs, of the nuclear membrane in samples from locusts. Original file title ‘EM photos’

13 items

K/PP178/2/12

[1950]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: electron microscope photographic prints of Tobacco Mosaic Virus

Electron microscope photographic prints of Tobacco Mosaic Virus crystals. Original file title ‘Virus TMV prints’

80 items

K/PP178/2/13

[1950]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: photomicrographs of organic cells

Photomicrographs of organic cells, including muscle cells, chromosomes of bean roots, kidney tubules, yeast cells, and ultraviolet dichroism of oriented nucleic acid in locust sperm heads, taken using a reflecting microscope provided by R & J Beck Ltd,London. Original file title ‘Beck prints’

12 items

K/PP178/2/14

[1950-1951]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: published lecture, ‘I. Ultraviolet dichroism and molecular structure in living cells. II. Electron microscopy of nuclear membranes’, with original illustrations

Published lecture text by Wilkins, ‘I. Ultraviolet dichroism and molecular structure in living cells. II. Electron microscopy of nuclear membranes’, given at the Symposium on Submicroscopical Structure of Protoplasm, Naples Zoological Station, 22-25 May 1951. Also electron microscope photographs of locust sperm heads, used as illustrations in the text. Original file title ‘Locust prints’

24 items

K/PP178/2/15

[1950-1965]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: glass slides of x-ray diffraction photographs of DNA and RNA

Glass slides (most captioned) of x-ray diffraction photographs of DNA and RNA, possibly used for teaching, including: examples of the earliest x-ray diffraction photographs made in the Medical Research Council (MRC) Biophysics Unit, King’s College London, c 1950; examples of DNA from different sources, including sepia and loligo sperm heads (both species of cephalopod), and locust sperm; comparisons between different DNA samples; examples of A, B and C form DNA; wire models of DNA structure; electron microscopy photographs of DNA and RNA; graphs of research data

24 items

K/PP178/2/16

1951 – c1963

Papers of M H F Wilkins: x-ray diffraction photographs and photographs of DNA molecular models

X-ray diffraction photographs and photographs of DNA molecular models, probably used as article illustrations (articles not identified), including: DNA photographed at 0% humidity, Feb 1951; C form Li DNA photographed by Donald Marvin, 1 Jun 1958; three mounted comparison illustrations of a molecular model of DNA, a Fourier synthesis map of the molecular structure of DNA and a wire model of DNA structure, ND; electron microscope photograph of bifringent crystalline regions in dried DNA, [1963]

22 items

K/PP178/2/17

1951

Papers of M H F Wilkins: article ‘Physical studies of nucleic acid. Nucleic acid: an extensible molecule?’, with original illustrations

Article, ‘Physical studies of nucleic acid. Nucleic acid: an extensible molecule?’ by Wilkins, Raymond Gosling and William Etienne Seeds, offprint from Nature, vol 167, 12 May 1951.

Electron microscope photographs of fibres of sodium thymonucleate (4 copies of two side-by-side prints), used in the article

5 items

K/PP178/2/18

1951

Papers of M H F Wilkins: Herbert Wilson’s DNA research notebook

Hardback experimental notebook compiled by Herbert Rees Wilson, Medical Research Council (MRC) Biophysics Unit, King’s College London, including research notes, calculations, diagrams and results of early experiments on nucleoproteins and DNA in collaboration with Maurice Wilkins. Includes data obtained from x-ray diffraction images made from calf thymus supplied by Rudolf Signer, trout sperm, sepia and large loligo (types of squid) sperm, and wheat germ

1 volume

K/PP178/2/19

1951-1955

Papers of M H F Wilkins: papers relating to ultraviolet dichroism in sperm cells

Manuscript research notes, graphs, annotated electron microscope photographs of locust sperm cells and reprint of lecture, ‘I. Ultraviolet dichroism and molecular structure in living cells. II. Electron microscopy of nuclear membranes’, given by Wilkins at the Symposium on Submicroscopical Structure of Protoplasm, Naples Zoological Station, 22-25 May 1951. Original file title ‘Locust dichroism MW’

1 file

K/PP178/2/20

1951-1958

Papers of M H F Wilkins: papers relating to the preparation of DNA samples

Notes and articles relating to the preparation of DNA samples, including: article by Mary Renoll and Quentin Van Winkle, ‘’Physical-chemical studies on the interaction of surface-active agents with nucleoproteins’ (publication unknown), Jun 1951; notes, ‘Papers of DNA from calf thymus according to directions of Dr N Simmons’, Jul 1954; article by Max Feughelman, Robert Langridge, William Etienne Seeds, Alexander Rawson Stokes, Herbert Rees Wilson, Clive Williams Hooper, Maurice Hugh Frederick Wilkins, Ralph K Barclay and Leonard D Hamilton, ‘Molecular structure of deoxyribose nucleic acid and nucleoprotein’, offprint from Nature, vol 175, 14 May 1955 (3 copies); 16pp notebook compiled by Wilkins, 1958, on DNA experiments; draft article on the scientific methodology of preparing DNA samples from calf thymus glands, ND. Also draft diagrams, graphs and statistics. Original file title ‘DNA Preparation’

1 file

K/PP178/2/21

1951-1959, 1975-1997

Papers of M H F Wilkins: Wilkins’ laboratory notebook relating to DNA research

Maurice Wilkins’ laboratory research notebook containing notes on experiments and methodologies, diagrams, statistical tables, graphs, chemical structures and equations relating to DNA research, including: initial tests on DNA obtained by Erwin Chargaff from balantidium coli (B Coli) and wheat germ; plots of Bessel Functions, including statistics and a ‘Bessel waves’ diagram; diagram and sketch for the design of Wilkins’ new slot plate camera; notes on experiments conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Naples, Italy; notes on a interference microscope study of pollen grains, 1952, with sketches of microscope images; DNA weighing experiments testing the Watson and Crick DNA model. Also notes on the history of the discovery of the structure of DNA written by Wilkins 1975-1997. Original volume title ‘DNA Wilkins 1951. Early x-rays 51-52’

1 vol, 21 loose items

K/PP178/2/22

c 1951-1952

Papers of M H F Wilkins: report on Biophysics Unit DNA research

Report to the Medical Research Unit (MRC), Dec 1952, on the progress of research in the MRC Biophysics Research Unit, King’s College London, including the findings to date in nucleic acid research by Wilkins, Rosalind Franklin and Raymond Gosling (Max Perutz, on the MRC Biophysics Research Committee, passed the information to Francis Crick and James Watson, Cavendish Laboratory,Cambridge). Also photocopy first page of a MRC report, [1951], including information on Wilkins’ research using ultraviolet microscopy and microspectrography

1 file, 2 items

K/PP178/2/23

[1951-1953]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: photographs of Biophysics Unit staff

Copy photographic prints of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Biophysics Unit, King’s College London staff, annotated by Wilkins, including Rosalind Franklin, Raymond Gosling (3 copies), Alec Stokes, Wilkins and a group photograph. Also photograph of Signer DNA fibres mounted on wire frame for X-ray diffraction photography

9 items

K/PP178/2/24

[1951-1956]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: X-ray diffraction photographs and negatives

Five negatives (2 of which are on glass) and one print of x-ray diffraction images. FRAGILE. Envelope (not contemporary) marked ‘X-ray diff photos and negs historical DNA’

6 items

K/PP178/2/25

[1951-1956]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: X-ray diffraction photograph of herring sperm DNA

Two copies of undated X-ray diffraction photograph of herring sperm DNA

2 items

K/PP178/2/26

1952

Papers of M H F Wilkins: copy of joke death notice for the DNA helix

Photocopies of joke death notice for the DNA helix by Rosalind Franklin and Raymond Gosling, with cover note from Alec Stokes to Wilkins

1 file

K/PP178/2/27

1953 Sep – 1960 Dec

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notebook relating to research on the structure of the DNA double helix

Manuscript notebook relating to research on the structure of the DNA double helix, carried out by Maurice Wilkins and his colleagues in the Medical Research Council (MRC) Biophysics Unit, King’s College London, Sep 1953-Dec 1960, with experiment results, calculations and diagrams including: density readings of the chemical bases in DNA; position of water molecules in crystalline DNA; information regarding the Fourier transform of observed x-ray diffraction data; calculations for the cylindrical Patterson function; measured intensities of x-ray diffraction photographs; constructed model data and testing for both A and B form DNA; brief notes on model RNA and on model left-handed spiralling DNA. Also, at the end of the notebook, molecular structure diagrams of chemical bases and amino acids, with additional notes and calculations relating to the structure of DNA, including notes under the headings ‘hydrogen bonding in water’, and ‘bond angles problem’, by Alexander Stokes. Volume subsequently labelled (by Wilkins) ‘DNA Seeds + Wilkins 1954-‘

1 volume

K/PP178/2/28

1953, 1955

Papers of M H F Wilkins: data relating to the structure of the DNA double helix, with related published articles

Manuscript notes, calculations, sketches and graphs relating to the structure of the DNA double helix, including sketches of sheared helices and ellipses and graphs of Bessel functions and of densitometer readings from x-ray diffraction photographs. Articles by Rosalind Franklin and Raymond Gosling, ‘The structure of sodium thymonucleate fibres. I the influence of water content; II the cylindrically symmetrical Patterson function; III the three-dimensional Patterson function’, offprints from Acta Crystallographica, Sep 1953 and Mar 1955, with manuscript annotations by Wilkins. Article, ‘Helical Structure of Crystalline Deoxypentose Nucleic Acid’ by Wilkins, William Seeds, Alexander Stokes, and Herbert Wilson, reprinted from Nature, Vol 172, p759, October 24, 1953 (2 copies). Original file title ‘Ellip & shear [?]’

1 file

K/PP178/2/29

1953-1958

Papers of M H F Wilkins: papers relating to Faraday Society conferences

Conference programmes and abstracts of papers for the Biophysics and Colloid Committee of the Faraday Society, relating to research on nucleic acids and nucleoproteins

1 file

K/PP178/2/30

[1953]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: DNA x-ray diffraction photographs obtained from sepia spermatophore

Prints of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) x-ray diffraction photographs, obtained from sepia spermatophore (cuttlefish sperm)

1 file

K/PP178/2/31

[1953-1957]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: Herbert Wilson’s laboratory notebook, relating to x-ray diffraction images of DNA

Manuscript notebook by Herbert Rees Wilson, including an index of x-ray photographs taken of DNA samples, with details of the source material (including sepia sperm head and calf thymus), and the salt used in the preparation (sodium, rubidium or potassium). Also guidelines for measuring ‘spots and ‘streaks’ on the x-ray diffraction photographs, and calculations concerning the data derived from the photographs

1 item

K/PP178/2/32

1954-1956

Papers of M H F Wilkins: graphs of data from X-ray diffraction photographs

Manuscript graphs recording data derived from X-ray diffraction photographs of mushroom DNA, with rough sketches indicating how the samples were obtained

1 file

K/PP178/2/33

[1954-1958]

Papers of MHF Wilkins: research notes and data relating to x-ray diffraction experiments

Graphs, diagrams and manuscript research notes relating to x-ray diffraction experiments, chiefly relating to the positions of electron density marks on x-ray diffraction photographs. File includes geometric sketches of the molecular structure of proposed models for the A and B configurations of DNA

1 file

K/PP178/2/34

1955

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notes relating to experiments with varying hydration levels for pig, herring and Signer calf thymus DNA samples

Manuscript research notes and graph relating to experiments with varying hydration levels for pig, herring and Signer calf thymus DNA samples, including calculations titled ‘Degree of interpenetration necessary for same density of group of 3 twisted’, relating to the data obtained that appeared to support the concept of a three chain structure for DNA. Original file title ‘Water contents’

1 file

K/PP178/2/35

1955

Papers of M H F Wilkins: data relating to lithium DNA

Manuscript graphs, notes and sketches relating to the crystal lattice structure of the crystalline B structure of lithium DNA (Li DNA), including notes on the different results given by variations to the relative humidity. Original file title ‘LiDNA lattice data’

1 file

K/PP178/2/36

1955-1956

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notes relating to article, ‘Molecular structure of deoxyribose nucleic acid and nucleoprotein’

Typescript abstract and notes for article, ‘Molecular structure of deoxyribose nucleic acid and nucleoprotein’, by Max Feughelman, Robert Langridge, William Seeds, Alexander Stokes, Herbert Wilson, Clive Hooper, Wilkins, Ralph Barclay and Leonard Hamilton, subsequently published in Nature, vol 175, 14 May 1955. Also typescript draft of Wilkins’ ‘Quinquennium report, 1951-1956’, on the recent research on the structure of DNA and nucleoprotein

1 file

K/PP178/2/37

1955-1957

Papers of M H F Wilkins: data relating to DNA experiment results

Graphs of observed optical intensities from an x-ray diffraction photograph of lithium-based DNA (sample L-84), chiefly relating to readings for the tenth layer line on the image. Also a sketch diagram of the possible axes of the molecular arrangement of DNA on the tenth layer line, and a graph comparing the diffracted intensities of Lithium DNA (Li DNA), Sodium DNA (Na DNA), Potassium DNA (K DNA) and Rubidium DNA (Rb DNA). Original file title ‘BB₁₁ 10^th LL’

1 file, 17 items

K/PP178/2/38

1955-1957

Papers of M H F Wilkins: Clive Hooper’s DNA research notebooks

Experimental notebooks relating to DNA research, compiled by Clive Williams Hooper, postdoctoral researcher, Medical Research Council (MRC) Biophysics Unit, King’s College London, 1955-1957. Contents include: notes on the preparation of samples, including thymocytes and thymus nuclei; tables of intensity observations relating to ‘A’ form x-ray diffraction images of ‘A’ form DNA, followed by mathematical analysis using Patterson technique and Fourier transforms; loose inserts including additional calculations and photographic prints of an x-ray diffraction pattern created using a photo reducing mask (in a technique developed by Hooper, William Etienne Seeds and Alexander Rawson Stokes, and described in ‘Photographic preparation of masks of large molecules for the Lipson diffractometer’, Nature, 1955). One volume originally titled ‘Hooper? 1956 DNA’

2 volumes

K/PP178/2/39

1955-1960

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notes, article abstracts and diagrams, chiefly prepared for reports, articles and addresses relating to DNA research

Manuscript notes, article abstracts and diagrams relating to DNA research chiefly prepared for reports and addresses, including: typescript note, 9 Aug 1955, on recent collaborative work between King’s College London and the Sloan-Kettering Institute, New York, on ascertaining the structure of DNA, presented to a meeting of DNA researchers, Culoz, France, 30 Jul 1955; brief Nature article, 31 Mar 1956, on a Biochemical society symposium, ‘The structure of nucleic acids and their role in protein synthesis’, 18 Feb 1956, at which Wilkins reported on recent work at King’s; typescript ‘Notes on biological significance of DNA structure determination and other items’, dated 12 Nov 1957; list of points for filming relating to the history of the discovery of the structure of DNA, possibly compiled by Wilkins for the Shell Film Unit [1958]; an address given in Brussels [possibly linked to Expo 1958, Brussels]; talk given at Battersea College of Technology, Dec 1958, and at Bedford College, Dec 1959; typescript abstract of article by Robert Langridge, Herbert Wilson, Clive Hooper, Wilkins and Leonard Hamilton, ‘The molecular configuration of deoxyribonucleic acid. I. X-ray diffraction study of a crystalline form of the lithium salt’, printed in Journal of Molecular Biology, vol 2, 1960; typescript abstract of article by Robert Langridge, Donald Marvin, William Seeds, Herbert Wilson, Clive Hooper, Wilkins and Leonard Hamilton, ‘The molecular configuration of deoxyribonucleic acid. II. Molecular models and their Fourier transforms’, published in Journal of Molecular Biology, vol 2, 1960; typescript notes (undated), ‘High resolution X-ray diffraction data from crystalline lithium DNA’, with covering note from ‘Don’ (Donald Arthur Marvin)

1 file

K/PP178/2/40

1955-1958

Papers of M H F Wilkins: DNA research reports

Brief typescript research reports for 1954-1955 and for 1957-1958, summarising work on the structure of DNA to date, with additional manuscript notes

1 file

K/PP178/2/41

[1955-1960]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: x-ray diffraction photographs

Copies of x-ray diffraction photographs, probably nucleoprotamine (DNP). Original file title ‘DNP x-ray photos’

1 file

K/PP178/2/42

[1955-1960]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: data relating to densitometer traces taken from x-ray diffraction photographs

Graphs and calculations of densitometer traces taken from x-ray diffraction photographs, relating to the electron density present in each image. Original file title ‘3 DIM Int. Data’

1 file

K/PP178/2/43

[1955-1965]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: photographic negatives of electron microscope images of cellular structures

Rolled photographic negatives of electron microscope images of cellular structures. Original box label ‘V films V 0 upwards (printed)’

8 items

K/PP178/2/44

1956 Sep-1957 Oct

Papers of M H F Wilkins: research notes for articles on the structure of DNA

Manuscript research notes and related data, including: graphs and tables of x-ray diffraction of Li DNA sample ‘L 84’ with spot measurements and clear diffraction pattern present on graph; manuscript research notes by Max Feughelman on calculating water in DNA and nucleoprotein; notes, 1957, on water density in lithium DNA (Li DNA); list of x-ray diffraction photographs of lithium DNA taken by Donald Marvin. Original file title ‘material for papers’

1 file

K/PP178/2/45

1956 Sep - 1962

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notes on the extraction of DNA from animal sperm

Manuscript notebook relating to experiments undertaken to extract DNA from animal sperm, including sea urchin, at the Naples Zoological Station, Sep 1956, and manuscript notes relating to research papers and articles on DNA and RNA

1 item

K/PP178/2/46

1956

Papers of M H F Wilkins: papers relating to diffraction patterns from A form DNA fibre made with sodium rubidium

Graphs, sketches, diagrams and calculations relating to diffraction patterns obtained from A form DNA fibre made with sodium rubidium (NaRb).

The A configuration of DNA could form monoclinic lattice arrangements because they were fully crystalline and not semi-crystalline like the B configuration. Original file title ‘Na Rb’

1 file

K/PP178/2/47

1956

Papers of M H F Wilkins: data from the comparison of diffraction patterns obtained from DNA fibres made with potassium, sodium and rubidium

Calculations, graphs and charts of data relating to the comparison of diffraction patterns obtained from DNA fibres made with potassium (K), sodium (Na) and Rubidium (Rb). The graphs depict the measured intensities and densitometer readings from the various x-ray diffraction images obtained with the different salts. The data was subsequently used in a published article, ‘Molecular Structure of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)’ by Robert Langridge, William Seeds, Herbert Wilson, Clive Hooper, Wilkins and Leonard Hamilton, published in Journal of Biophysical and Biochemical Cytology, vol 3, no 5, 25 Sep 1957. Original file title ‘Rb & Na 56’

1 file

K/PP178/2/48

1956-1957

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notes and research data relating to DNA model ‘B14’

Manuscript research notes, computer printout data sets (produced using the IBM 650 computer), graphs and calculations, including co-ordinates and molecular weights for DNA model ‘B14’, and graphs of data obtained from diffraction patterns. Original file title ‘B14 coords. and bonds’

1 file

K/PP178/2/49

1956-1960

Papers of M H F Wilkins: Don Marvin’s DNA research notebook

Notes on DNA research compiled by Donald Arthur (‘Don’) Marvin (American PhD student, Medical Research Council (MRC), Biophysics Unit, King’s College London, 1956-1961), including: extensive notes on DNA sample preparation for x-ray diffraction images; densitometer readings; calculations for determining a Fourier synthesis of DNA experimental data; observations on ‘B’ form DNA and ‘C’ form DNA. Original file title, ‘Marvin DNA’.

1 volume

K/PP178/2/50

1956-1961

Papers of M H F Wilkins: papers relating to the structures of DNA lattices

Graphs, sketches, diagrams and computer printouts data sets of experimental results and calculations for crystal lattice structure present in the Structure B form of DNA, including graph representations of recorded intensities of layer lines from x-ray diffraction photographs, molecular diagrams, sketches of lattice structure and oriented out calculated data. Also detailed typescript user instructions (compiled by ‘MS’, possibly Michael Spencer, Nov 1957) for the IBM 650 computer, used to produce data sets and calculate bond angles

1 file

K/PP178/2/51

[1956]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: data relating to x-ray diffraction photograph, ‘F 343’

Graphs, calculations and manuscript research notes relating to x-ray diffraction image ‘F 343’, of calf thymus DNA, including densitometer traces charting the observed intensities of the spots on the photograph. Also subsequent article, based on the data and including the diffraction image, ‘Molecular structure of deoxyribose nucleic acid and nucleoprotein’ by Max Feughelman, Robert Langridge, William Seeds, Alexander Stokes, Herbert Wilson, Clive Hooper, Wilkins, Ralph Barclay and Leonard Hamilton, Nature, vol 175, 14 May 1955. Original file title ‘F.343’

1 file

K/PP178/2/52 Box 10 File 1

1957 Oct 31

Papers of M H F Wilkins: letter from Leonard [Hamilton], Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research,New York

Typescript letter from Leonard [Hamilton], Sloan-Kettering Institute for CancerResearch,New York,USA, to Wilkins, enclosing a draft article and electron micrographs (not present), requesting Wilkins’ opinion on the structure of kappa particles (inheritable cytoplasmic symbionts found in some strains of paramecium)

1 item

K/PP178/2/53

1957

Papers of M H F Wilkins: data from research into interference effects between DNA molecules

Graphs, calculations and notes concerning the effects of interference between two molecules of DNA, including line graphs of Bessel function ‘waves’, plotted points from diffraction photographs and an ‘L plane’ diagram of the sixth layer line in the diffraction pattern. Original file title ‘Interference’

1 file

K/PP178/2/54

1957

Papers of M H F Wilkins: line graphs of data from densitometry testing on DNA sample ‘L 84’

Line graphs of data from densitometry testing on an x-ray diffraction image labelled ‘L 84’, possibly from lithium DNA. Original file title ‘L84 Densitometry Wilkins 57’

1 file

K/PP178/2/55

1957

Papers of M H F Wilkins: computer printout data sets relating to x-ray diffraction photograph ‘B28’

Computer printout data sets for Fourier transforms (a process for translating data into a mathematical representation), diagrams and calculations derived from x-ray diffraction photograph ‘B28’, calculated with and without two additional molecules of water for each layer on the image. (Determining the position of the water in the DNA molecule was an important part of the process of refining the model, as its spacing in the structure accounted for the scattering present in the x-ray diffraction photographs). Original file title ‘B28 Transforms’

1 file

K/PP178/2/56

1957

Papers of M H F Wilkins: illustrations used in article ‘Molecular structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)’

Graphs, DNA structural diagram and x-ray diffraction photographs, with enclosure note from the journal, used in article ‘Molecular structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)’ by Robert Langridge, William Etienne Seeds, Herbert Rees Wilson, Clive Williams Hooper, Wilkins and Leonard Hamilton, published in Journal of Biophysical and Biochemical Cytology, vol 3, no 5, 25 Sep 1957

6 items

K/PP178/2/57

1957-1958

Papers of M H F Wilkins: draft graphs and notes relating to observed data from DNA X-ray diffraction images

Manuscript draft graphs and notes relating to data obtained from numbered X-ray diffraction images of DNA, Nov 1957 and Apr-May 1958, including notes on formulae for calculating intensities of spots and streaks in x-ray diffraction photographs, possibly of B form DNA

1 file

K/PP178/2/58

1957

Papers of M H F Wilkins: data relating to DNA experiments

Measurements of optical intensities observed for each layer line (1 to 11) on x-ray diffraction images of ‘B’ form Lithium DNA (Li DNA). Also calculated data for three models of DNA. Original file title ‘Fo ²Fc² B₁₁B₁₇B₂₇’

1 file, 16 items

K/PP178/2/59

1957

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notes relating to research on polylysine DNA and ‘A’ form DNA

Notes and data relating to research on polylysine DNA, including brief notes on the initial approach, notated results, and wave pattern graphs of the resulting data. Also calculations and diagrams relating to research on ‘A’ form DNA. Original file title ‘Structure up and down A + B transform’ ‘F652 DNA and polysine’

1 file

K/PP178/2/60

1957-1959

Papers of M H F Wilkins: draft article and notes by Michael Spencer on DNA

Draft article by Michael Spencer, ‘Notes on the stereochemistry of DNA’, Nov 1957’. Typescript notes, possibly by Spencer, ‘Notes on alternative base pairs for DNA’, Dec 1957. Published article by Spencer, ‘The Stereochemistry of Deoxyribonucleic acid: II. Hydrogen-Bonded Pairs of Bases’, offprint from Acta Crystallographica, Jan 1959

1 file

K/PP178/2/61 Box 8 File 7

1957-1972

Papers of M H F Wilkins: scientific notes, graphs and related papers

Notes, graphs and related papers on topics including: x-ray diffraction theories, including Bragg laws; list of electron density figures for the bases within DNA; notes on the structure of crystalline lithium DNA, including an atomic map and a diagram with the helical axes of lithium DNA at 66% relative humidity; typescript draft paper, ‘On the treatment of crystalline fibre intensities which are less than some threshold values and/or made up of contributions from more than one reflexion’. Typescript draft article, ‘A study of the relationship between the molecular weight and the sedimentation coefficient of deoxyribonucleic acid’, by Herbert Rosenkranz and Aaron Bendich, [1961], with manuscript annotations by Wilkins. Typescript draft article, ‘Base pairing in DNA’ by Jerry Donohue and Kenneth Trueblood (subsequently published in Journal of Molecular Biology, 1960), with comments (possibly by Michael Spencer), illustrations used in the published article, and an offprint brief article, ‘The structure of crystals containing a hydrogen-bonded complex of 1-methylthymine and 9-methyladenine’, by Karst Hoogsteen, published in Acta Crystallographica, 1959. Also two letters received 1960 and 1961, requesting a signed photograph, and information on possible job vacancies, which include personal data CLOSED for review 2041. Original file title ‘Notes 2’

1 file

K/PP178/2/62

1957-1958

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notes on calculations regarding water content and density of Li DNA in the B configuration

Manuscript draft notes of experimental calculations and findings relating to the measurement of water content and volume of the DNA structure, including notes on the Traube weights of the component parts of the DNA structure (by working out the partial molecular volumes of the parts of the DNA structure it was possible to work out the total volume of the DNA itself). Also experimental notes and results of the water content of the Lithium DNA salt at different humidities, with the recorded densities of the molecules. Article, ‘Models of a-keratin structure’, by Bruce Fraser, T P MacRae and D H Simmonds, offprint from Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, Vol 25 No 3 Sep 1957. Original file title ‘Density of DNA’

1 file

K/PP178/2/63

1957-1959

Papers of M H F Wilkins: data obtained from x-ray diffraction photographs of DNA samples from sepia and loligo sperm heads

Measurements and calculations made from x-ray diffraction photographs of DNA samples, both powder and fibre, taken from sepia and loligo sperm heads (both species of cephalopod). Also densitometer trace diagrams reflecting the observed electron density present on the x-ray diffraction photographs and a traced molecular model of a section of the DNA structure showing bond angles and orientation. Original file title ‘Sepia 136’

1 file

K/PP178/2/64

1957-1960

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notes on the processing of DNA samples for x-ray crystallography experiments

Manuscript notebook relating to the processing of DNA samples for x-ray crystallography experiments, including: procedures undertaken to extract DNA fibres from samples, the humidity and temperature of the samples, the quality of fibre extracted and the quality of the resulting X-ray diffraction image. Original item title ‘DNA mounted specimens. Specimen History’

1 item

K/PP178/2/65

[1957]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: data set relating to x-ray diffraction photograph ‘B11’

Computer printout data set of computer calculated molecular weights and bond lengths co-ordinates of the molecules based on x-ray diffraction photograph, ‘B 11’. Original file title ‘B11 coords and bonds’

1 item

K/PP178/2/66

[1957-1958]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: graph of data relating to DNA model ‘B28’

Graph of data relating to the inter-molecular structure of DNA model ‘B28’, showing plotted co-ordinates of the model and the bond angles between the molecules. Original file title ‘B28 coords. and bonds’

1 item

K/PP178/2/67

1958 Nov

Papers of M H F Wilkins: data relating to the ‘B31’ model of B form DNA

Graphs, calculations and computer printout data sets, produced using the IBM 650 computer, relating to the Fourier transform (a process for translating data into a mathematical representation) of ‘B31’, a model of B form DNA. One of a number of B transforms produced in November 1958. Original file title, ‘B31’

1 file

K/PP178/2/68

1958

Papers of M H F Wilkins: data relating to research on the structure of nucleohistone

Notes, graphs and computer printout data sets, relating to data collected for a theoretical model of the structure of nucleohistone. modelled on an IBM 650 computer. Also an x-ray diffraction photograph of nucleohistone, subsequently used in an article, ‘X-ray diffraction studies of the molecular structure of nucleohistone and chromosomes’ by Wilkins, Geoffrey Zubay and Herbert Wilson, published in Journal of Molecular Biology, Vol 1. Original file title: ‘Data Nucleohistone Model 1’

1 file

K/PP178/2/69

1958

Papers of M H F Wilkins: data sets relating to Fourier transforms of DNA models or photographs

Two computer printout data sets, labelled ‘A5’ and ‘B32’, of calculations for Fourier transforms (a process for translating data into a mathematical representation) of either DNA models or observed data from DNA x-ray diffraction photographs, produced using the IBM 650 computer. Original file title ‘A5 (&A5)’

1 file

K/PP178/2/70 Box 5 File 4

1958

Papers of M H F Wilkins: data relating to DNA model ‘B30’

Computer printout data set of co-ordinates for DNA model ‘B30’, calculated using the IBM 650 computer. Also geometric sketch of the proposed inter-molecular structure, including bond angles. Original file title ‘B30’

1 file

K/PP178/2/71

1958

Papers of M H F Wilkins: draft article, ‘spots and streaks’

Draft typescript article, ‘Spots and streaks’, relating to the interpretation of X-ray diffraction images, with related manuscript notes

1 file

K/PP178/2/72

1958-1959

Papers of M H F Wilkins: draft article, ‘X-ray diffraction studies of the structure of deoxyribonucleoprotein’

Typescript draft article, ‘X-ray diffraction studies of the structure of deoxyribonucleoprotein’ by Wilkins, Geoffrey Zubay and Herbert Rees Wilson, subsequently published in Transactions of the Faraday Society, 1959, Vol 55, with additional manuscript notes headed ‘Faraday,Birmingham, 18 Sep 1958’

1 file

K/PP178/2/73

1958-1961

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notebook of research results relating to electron microscope images of DNA

Notebook used to record two different sets of research results relating to electron microscope images of DNA, entitled ‘E.M results on DNA and x-ray diffraction of nuclei and ribosomes (to Nov 61) by C D Curling and M Spencer’ [Claude Curling and Michael Spencer] and (in reverse side of volume) ‘light microscope records (or Nuclear isolation procedure from July 60-Nov 61) by M Spencer’. Volume also includes acetate slides of x-ray diffraction images, and prints and negatives of electron microscope images.

1 volume

K/PP178/2/74

1959

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notes relating to proposed DNA model ‘Coil 1’

Manuscript notes and graph projections for proposed DNA model ‘Coil 1’, including calculations for coordinates and the Bessel function of the coil. Original file title ‘Coil Model 1’. (This model may correlate with ‘Model 1’ discussed in Robert Langridge et al, ‘The molecular configuration of deoxyribonucleic acid. II. Molecular models and their Fourier transforms’, published in Journal of Molecular Biology, vol 2, 1960)

1 file

K/PP178/2/75

1959

Papers of M H F Wilkins: draft article, ‘Low angle x-ray diffraction in nucleohistone’

Annotated typescript draft article, ‘Low angle x-ray diffraction in nucleohistone’ by Wilkins and Geoffrey Zubay, subsequently published as ‘X-ray diffraction studies of the molecular structure of nucleohistone and chromosomes’, Journal of Molecular Biology, vol 1, 1959. Also related manuscript notes. Original file title ‘Zubay, II. Significance of 60A equatorial & 55A° meridional’.

1 file

K/PP178/2/76

1959

Papers of M H F Wilkins: illustrations used in article ‘X-ray diffraction studies of the molecular structure of nucleohistone and chromosomes’

Mounted captioned x-ray diffraction photographs used in article ‘X-ray diffraction studies of the molecular structure of nucleohistone and chromosomes’, by Geoffrey Zubay and Wilkins, published in Journal of Molecular Biology, vol 1, 1959

3 items

K/PP178/2/77

1959

Papers of M H F Wilkins: illustrations used in article ‘Similarity of the structure of DNA from a variety of sources’

X-ray diffraction photographs used in article ‘Similarity of the structure of DNA from a variety of sources’ by Leonard Hamilton, Ralph Barclay, Wilkins, Geoffrey Brown, Hubert Rees Wilson, Donald Marvin, Harriet Ephrussi-Taylor and N S Simmons, published in Journal of Biophysical and Biochemical Cytology, Vol. 5, No. 3, 1959

6 items

K/PP178/2/78

1959-1961

Papers of M H F Wilkins: research notes by Don Marvin on observations and calculations of crystalline DNA

Research notes compiled by Donald Arthur (‘Don’) Marvin (American PhD student, Medical Research Council (MRC) Biophysics Unit, King’s College London, 1956-1961), relating to crystalline form DNA and ‘C’ form DNA, including: manuscript drafts of an article, ‘A new crystalline form of DNA’, by Marvin and P J Cooper (apparently unpublished, though similar to Marvin, Michael Spencer, Maurice Hugh Frederick Wilkins and Leonard D Hamilton, ‘The molecular configuration of deoxyribonucleic acid. III. X-ray diffraction study of the C form of the lithium salt’, Journal of Molecular Biology, vol 3, 1961). Also computer aided datasets for lattice parameters (created using the Unit’s IBM 650 computer) and manuscript notes, relating to the crystal structure of ‘B’ form DNA and a comparative study between the projected orthorhombic lattice DNA crystal and a monoclinic lattice DNA crystal. Original file title ‘B 1 write up’

1 file

K/PP178/2/79

1959-1964

Papers of M H F Wilkins: items chiefly relating to fibre diffraction images

Five sets of negatives of microscopic photographs. Also articles: Wilkins and Geoffrey Zubay, ‘X-ray diffraction studies on the molecular structure of nucleohistone and chromosomes’, offprint from Journal of Molecular Biology, 1959; Watson Fuller, ‘Nucleic acid structure’, offprint from Science Progress, Jan 1964. Typescript undated article by Wilkins, ‘A note on obtaining molecular transform data from fibre diffraction photographs’, and outsize Fourier contour map. Two outsize rolled illustrations of molecular models of DNA, possibly used for display, and an outsize rolled negative image of a graphic design of a space-filling model of DNA, possibly a prototype for a commercial design, presented to Wilkins.

1 file and 4 outsize items

K/PP178/2/80

[1950s]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: photographs of crystallography camera

Photographs of three different views of an unidentified crystallography camera, with duplicate copies. Photographs labelled ‘H. F. H ver 3’

8 items

K/PP178/2/81

[1950s]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: photographic negatives of electron microscope images

Rolls of photographic negatives, labelled ‘V sequence’, many additionally labelled A-D, depicting unidentified cellular activity

28 items

K/PP178/2/82

[1950-2000]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: x-ray diffraction photographs and other illustrations

X-ray diffraction photographs, graphs, printed data sets, molecular diagrams, Fourier synthesis maps and photographs of molecular models, possibly prepared as teaching aids or for publication (articles not identified). Also photograph, taken c 2000 (7 copy prints), of the DNA sample holder made out of a paper clip, used to hold the Signer DNA for the first x-ray diffraction photographs, 1950

1 file

K/PP178/2/83

1960

Papers of M H F Wilkins: illustrations used in article, ‘X-ray diffraction studies of the structure of ribosomes from Escherichia Coli’

X-ray diffraction photographs used in article ‘X-ray diffraction studies of the structure of ribosomes from Escherichia Coli’ by Geoffrey Zubay and Wilkins, published in Journal of Molecular Biology, vol 2 1960

3 items

K/PP178/2/84

1960

Papers of M H F Wilkins: illustrations used in article ‘The molecular configuration of deoxyribonucleic acid. II. Molecular models and their Fourier transforms’

Graphs, sketches and an x-ray diffraction photograph used in article ‘The molecular configuration of deoxyribonucleic acid. II. Molecular models and their Fourier transforms’ by Robert Langridge, Donald Arthur Marvin, William Etienne Seeds, Herbert Rees Wilson, Clive Williams Hooper, Wilkins and Leonard Hamilton, published in Journal of Molecular Biology, vol 2, 1960

18 items

K/PP178/2/85

1960

Papers of M H F Wilkins: photographic negative of space-filling model of DNA

Long rolled photographic negative of DNA model, showing arrangement of molecules

1 item

K/PP178/2/86

1960-1966

Papers of M H F Wilkins: draft article, ‘A preliminary Fourier synthesis study of the crystalline B form of Deoxyribonucleic Acid’

Typescript and manuscript drafts of article ‘A preliminary Fourier synthesis study of the crystalline B form of Deoxyribonucleic Acid’, subsequently published as ‘Application of Fourier synthesis technique to low-resolution fibre diffraction data: preliminary study of deoxyribonucleic acid’, by Donald Marvin, Wilkins and Leonard Hamilton, in Acta Crystallographica, vol 20, part 5, May 1966. Also related correspondence between Donald Marvin, Max-Planck-Institut für Virusforschung, Tübingen, Germany, Leonard Hamilton, Sloan-Kettering Institute for CancerResearch,New York,USA, and Wilkins, concerning their collaborative research and writing. Original file title ‘Fourier’

1 file

K/PP178/2/87

1960-1965

Papers of M H F Wilkins: laboratory notes and data relating to DNA and RNA research

Laboratory notebook with related papers concerning DNA and RNA research including: observations and readings of x-ray diffraction photographs; a brief index of DNA and RNA images in the King’s College London Department of Biophysics slide collection; calculations for Fourier transforms (a process for translating data into a mathematical representation) and model building; graphs and computer printout data sets

1 file

K/PP178/2/88

c 1960

Papers of M H F Wilkins: note and sketches on the structure of DNA

Manuscript undated note, in Wilkins’ hand, on the structure of DNA and the role of nucleohistone, with sketches of x-ray diffraction images, lattices and of the DNA coil structure. Used as an illustration in Wilkins, ‘The third man of the double helix (Oxford University Press, 2003), captioned ‘Notes made by Maurice in around 1960 during work on the structure of nucleohistone, the major component of chromatin. The sketch left centre represents neighbouring molecules of DNA with the wide and narrow grooves characteristic of the B form emphasized’

1 page

K/PP178/2/89

1961

Papers of M H F Wilkins: illustrations used in article ‘The molecular configuration of deoxyribonucleic acid III. X-ray diffraction study of the C form of the lithium salt’

X-ray diffraction photographs used in article ‘The molecular configuration of deoxyribonucleic acid III. X-ray diffraction study of the C form of the lithium salt’, by Donald Marvin, Michael Spencer, Wilkins and Leonard Hamilton, published in Journal of Molecular Biology, 1961

5 items

K/PP178/2/90

1961-1966

Papers of M H F Wilkins: P J Cooper’s DNA research notebook

Notebook compiled by P J Cooper, Medical Research Council (MRC) Biophysics Unit, King’s College London, relating to chemical analysis of DNA and RNA samples, using a variety of DNA salts, including halide DNA, ammonium periodate DNA, thallium DNA and beryllium DNA. Original title, ‘DNA notebook of P J Cooper 61-66’

1 volume

K/PP178/2/91

1961-1973

Papers of M H F Wilkins: papers relating to work on nerve membranes

Correspondence and notes chiefly relating to research on nerve membranes, including: notes on Heinrich Waelsch and Abel Lajtha, ‘Protein Metabolism in the Nervous System’ Physiological Reviews, 1961; notes made at the Gordon Conference on the Cell Nucleus, 1964; correspondence with Peter Davison, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, 1966-1967, relating to the supply of samples for Wilkins’ research using gelled axoplasm/neurofilament protein; notes on bilayers, Oct 1967; offprints of ‘Structure of Frog Photoreceptor Membranes’ by Allen Blaurock and Wilkins, published in Nature, 30 Aug 1969, with related manuscript graphs and Fourier syntheses used to ascertain the structure of retina membrane; photocopy letters to the Principal of King’s College London, 1971-1973, relating to College funding for the Biophysics Department and possible financial cutbacks; two line graphs showing frequency patterns, labelled ‘film 171’ and ‘sperm 110’; brief undated note on neutron diffraction; lecture notes on the subject of the neurological composition of the brain and the comparative anatomies of other animal brains

1 file

K/PP178/2/92

1962

Papers of M H F Wilkins: draft article, ‘The 3-dimensional configuration of the DNA molecule’

Manuscript draft article, ‘The 3-dimensional configuration of the DNA molecule’, later published in Comprehensive biochemistry, edited by Marcel Florkin and Elmer Stotz (Elzevier Publishing Co, Amsterdam, New York, 1962)

1 item

K/PP178/2/93

1962

Papers of M H F Wilkins: illustrations used in article ‘An x-ray diffraction study of a complex of DNA and a synthetic polypeptide'

Mounted and captioned x-ray diffraction photographs, with additional data on transparent overlays, used in article ‘An x-ray diffraction study of a complex of DNA and a synthetic polypeptide’, by Geoffrey Zubay and Wilkins, published in Journal of Molecular Biology, Vol 4 1962

2 items

K/PP178/2/94

1962

Papers of M H F Wilkins: illustration of transfer RNA used in article ‘Determination of the helical nature of ribonucleic acid molecules by d-ray diffraction’

Electron microscope photograph captioned ‘large spherulite of transfer RNA showing double spiral contour due to variation of refractive index’, used in article ‘Determination of the helical nature of ribonucleic acid molecules by d-ray diffraction’, by Michael Spencer, Watson Fuller, Wilkins and Geoffrey Brown, published in Nature, 1962

1 item

K/PP178/2/95 Box 14 File 13

1962

Papers of M H F Wilkins: Nobel Prize lecture with additional prints of illustrations used

Draft and printed text of Wilkins’ Nobel Prize lecture, ‘The molecular configuration of nucleic acids’, given in Stockholm, 1962. Also X-ray diffraction photographs of A form DNA and transfer RNA used as text illustrations

6 items

K/PP178/2/96

[1962]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: draft article, ‘Need for certainty in the structure determination of DNA’

Manuscript draft article, ‘Need for certainty in the structure determination of DNA’

1 item

K/PP178/2/97

[1962]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: colour transparency of DNA molecular model

Colour transparency of DNA molecular model, with different colours to represent component atoms. Original envelope title ‘Colour prints of DNA models’

1 item

K/PP178/2/98

1963

Papers of M H F Wilkins: illustrations used in article ‘Molecular configuration of nucleic acids’

Two x-ray diffraction patterns of DNA fibres in A form and in transfer RNA, mounted on card as a single comparison illustration, and two comparison images of the structure of B form DNA, a photograph of a molecular model mounted next to a diagram of the two polynucleotide chains joined by hydrogen-bonded bases. Both used in article ‘Molecular configuration of nucleic acids’ by Wilkins, published in Science, May 1963

2 items

K/PP178/2/99

1963-1965

Papers of M H F Wilkins: glass plates of A form lithium DNA X-ray diffraction photographs

Two large glass plates of DNA X-ray diffraction images, marked on original box as A form lithium DNA. Also: letter to Wilkins from ‘Bob’ (possibly Robert Langridge), Children’s Cancer Research Foundation, Boston, USA, 1963, concerning a manuscript and diffraction images (not present), and the difficulty of obtaining specimen material; copy letter from Wilkins to Alex Rich, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, commenting on Rich’s draft article on wound tumour virus RNA; manuscript calculations relating to A and B form DNA, Feb-Apr 1965

1 box

K/PP178/2/100

1965

Papers of M H F Wilkins: illustrations used in article ‘The molecular configuration of deoxyribonucleic acid IV. X-ray diffraction study of the A form’

X-ray diffraction photographs and graphs used in article ‘The molecular configuration of deoxyribonucleic acid IV. X-ray diffraction study of the A form by Watson Fuller, Wilkins, Herbert Rees Wilson and Leonard Hamilton, published in Journal of Molecular Biology, 1965

15 items

K/PP178/2/101

[1965]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notes, calculations and diagrams relating to the dimensions of DNA and RNA helical coils

Manuscript research notes, calculations and diagrams by Wilkins relating to the dimensions of helical coils in DNA and RNA. Original file title ‘Coiled coils and RNA liquid crystals’

1 file

K/PP178/2/102

[1965-1968]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: photographs relating to RNA research

Four mounted photographs, produced in the Biophysics Department by Barry McCarthy, showing spherulites of RNA. Also a printed diagram, possibly of the replication of an RNA circle. Original title ‘35 long 6mm dia RNA Prints’

2 items

K/PP178/2/103

1966

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notes on published articles chiefly relating to brain research

Manuscript notebook recording authors and journal titles for published articles, 1957-1966, chiefly relating to research on animal brain tissue. Original title ‘Valuable medical research data’

1 vol

K/PP178/2/104

1967-1971

Papers of M H F Wilkins: laboratory notes relating to membrane research

Laboratory notebook with related papers, including: index of x-ray diffraction photographs; camera specifications and improvements; exposure times; conditions of individual samples and calculations on the resulting data; use of a Zeiss microscope; area calculations for the membrane bilayer; calculations based on the electron scattering in x-ray diffraction photographs of lecithin (a fatty substance occurring in plant and animal tissues)

1 file

K/PP178/2/105

1967-1976

Papers of M H F Wilkins: research notes on nerve and membrane research

Manuscript research notes, data sets and graphs relating to research on the nervous system, lecithin, and rod cells in the retina, using x-ray diffraction and microscope studies

1 file

K/PP178/2/106

c 1967, c 1985

Papers of M H F Wilkins: images relating to RNA and DNA research

Card-mounted images, mostly captioned, relating to the Biophysics Department research in RNA and DNA, c 1967, chiefly the liquid crystal of soluble RNA, with additional loose captions. Also images relating to autoradiography, x-ray diffraction and the electron microscope, and mounted snapshot photographs of department staff, c 1985, including Harry Munden, Zolly Gabor, John Scholes, Pauline Bennett, Alison Maggs and Retnam Rao

1 file, 18 item

K/PP178/2/107

[1967]-1970s

Papers of M H F Wilkins: graphs of data relating to research on vesicles

Manuscript and computer printout graphs of Fourier transforms (a process for translating data into a mathematical representation) of space filling vesicles, relating to Wilkins’ research with Allen Blaurock into retinal membranes and the dynamics of vision. Original file title ‘vesicles’

1 file

K/PP178/2/108

[1967-1974]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: acetate x-ray diffraction photographs relating to membrane research

Acetate x-ray diffraction photographs relating to Wilkins’ research on nerve membranes, including images of frog sciatic nerve and retina. Original title ‘Membrane x-ray patterns’. CLOSED for conservation

See KDBP/4/60 for offprint article by Allen Blaurock and Wilkins, ‘Structure of frog photoreceptor membranes’, published in Nature, vol 223, 30 Aug 1969

91 items

K/PP178/2/109

[1968-1975]

Papers of M H F Wilkins: background information relating to research on nerve endings, membranes and lipid bilayers

Manuscript notes and articles by other authors relating to Wilkins’s research on nerve endings, membranes and lipid bilayers. Also copy of articles, ‘The control of humidity by saturated salt solution’ by F E M O’Brien, published in Journal of Scientific Instruments, Vol 25, 1948, and ‘An electrostatic focusing system and its Application to a Fine Focus X-ray Tube’ by Werner Ehrenberg and Walter Spear, published in Proceedings of the Physical Society Vol 64 No 1, 1951. Original file title ‘Recent research notes or reprints’

1 file

K/PP178/2/110

1969 Feb

Papers of M H F Wilkins: letter from Robert Lieberman inclosing images of neural filaments

Letter to Wilkins from Robert Lieberman, Department of Anatomy, University College London, Feb 1969, enclosing 16 electron micrograph prints of neural filaments, with a key to the sources (rabbit, rat or guinea pig) and magnification for each image

1 file

K/PP178/2/111

1970-1971

Papers of M H F Wilkins: acetate x-ray diffraction photographs relating to nerve membrane research

Acetate x-ray photographs, with related index cards and coding, relating to nerve membrane research on samples including frog and pig sciatic nerves. Index cards include date, film number, type, sample, temperature, and duration and power of x-ray exposure for each image. The samples include frog and pig sciatic nerve, and are likely to relate to experimental research by the nerve membrane team, led by Wilkins. Original box titles ‘X-ray films (rubbishy)’ and ‘X-ray 1. Poly X-M (x-m), Myelin (m), phospholipid vesicles (v), amoeba plasmalemma’

135 items

K/PP178/2/112

1970-1975

Papers of M H F Wilkins: correspondence relating to neutron diffraction research

Correspondence, chiefly with the Medical Research Council, Daresbury Nuclear Physics Laboratory and the Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, relating to neutron diffraction research, including booking research time in the neutron beam facilities at Harwell, and the establishment, 1972, of a Neutron Scattering Group to coordinate research in physics, chemistry and biology. Also typescript draft article by D[avid]Worcester, Daresbury Nuclear Physics Laboratory, ‘Synchrotron radiation at DNPL as an intense source of x-rays for diffraction research’, Jun 1971. Original file title ‘Neutron’

1 file

K/PP178/2/113

1971 Jun

Papers of M H F Wilkins: papers relating to a symposium, ‘Structural and functional aspects of membranes and bilayers’

Brief typescript abstracts of papers given at a symposium, ‘Structural and functional aspects of membranes and bilayers’, Center for Theoretical Biology, New York, 7-9 Jun 1971, with manuscript annotations and further notes by Wilkins. Original file title ‘New York & Buffalo’

1 file

K/PP178/2/114

1976

Papers of M H F Wilkins: draft article byS Arnott, ‘DNA secondary structures’

Draft article by Struther Arnott, ‘DNA secondary structures’, subsequently published in Organisation and Expression of Chromosomes, 1976.

1 item

K/PP178/2/115

1976, 1991, 1994

Papers of M H F Wilkins: notes on the desorption of photographic film

Notes and graph of data relating to experiments by Nick Franks, 1976, on the desorption of photographic film, with additional notes by Wilkins, 1991 and 1994, on how the Unicam camera used in early DNA experiments by Wilkins and Gosling could have reduced relative humidity

1 file