Research Guides: Economics Collections at the Mudd Manuscript Library: Demography

Demography

The collections document the study of changes in human populations and their potential effects, especially of rising population and, to a lesser extent, policy work related to population issues. The collections include the papers of Alfred J. Lotka, a pioneer in the study of population dynamics who conducted research on the mathematical theory of evolution, Ansley J. Coale and Frank W. Notestein, who both directed Princeton University’s Office of Population Research, and the records of the Hugh Moore Fund, which promoted the study of world peace and world population.

Relevant Collections

Ansley J. Coale Papers, 1935-1998 (mostly 1954-1994)
Professor Ansley J. Coale (1917-2002) was a demographer whose work focused on nuptiality, fertility, and mortality in several countries. Coale joined the Princeton University faculty in 1947 and spent his entire career as a member of the university's Office of Population Research (OPR). The papers contain correspondence, Coale's research papers and projects, and samples of data collected. The material spans the several decades (1950s to 1990s) Coale spent as a member of the Princeton faculty, as well as the work he did during his retirement.
Alfred J. Lotka Papers, 1881-1966 (mostly 1925-1950)
Alfred J. Lotka (1880-1949), a statistician for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, was a significant contributor to the field of demography. He was a pioneer in the study of population dynamics and conducted research on the mathematical theory of evolution and the mathematical analysis of populations. Lotka's papers document his scholarship and his involvement in professional organizations and include drafts of his works, his notes and research materials, and correspondence.
Hugh Moore Fund Collection, 1922-1972 (mostly 1939-1970) MC153
The Hugh Moore Fund Collection consists of the files that belonged to Hugh Moore relating to his strong interest in the areas of world peace and world population. Moore established The Hugh Moore Fund in 1944 as a means of funding a number of organizations relating to these interests. Some of the materials in this collection pre-date 1944; these are the papers of organizations to which Moore belonged and which The Hugh Moore Fund supported.
Frank W. Notestein Papers, 1930-1977
Frank W. Notestein contributed significantly to the science of demography and to a better understanding of population problems in world affairs. The Frank W. Notestein Papers contain correspondence, speeches, and writings documenting the research, ideas, career and leadership roles of this former Princeton professor, director of the Office of Population Research, and president of the Population Council.