Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
A Guide to the Ernest R. Knorr papers
1849-1976
Manuscript Collection MC-05
2 boxes
(1 lin. ft.)
Keyword search
MC-05: Ernest R. Knorr papers
Table Of Contents
Biographical Information
Ernest R. Knorr, the namesake for WHOI’s R/V Knorr , was an outstanding early hydrographic engineer and cartographer. He did some service with the Coast Survey about 1850 and then served as chief cartographer of Ringgold-Rogers North Pacific Surveying Expedition. After his return to Washington, he was placed in charge of the Office of the North Pacific Survey Expedition, engaged in preparing the report and related hydrographic charts. In November 1860, he was appointed senior civilian and Chief Engineer Cartographer for the Hydrographic Office. He is considered largely responsible for the success of the Navy’s first systematic charting and surveying effort, from 1860 to 1885, when he resigned.
Scope and Content Note
His collection consists of a variety of correspondence, newspaper clippings, patents and certificates, maps, collected papers and photos from his distinguished career, as well as a few items from after his death.
Administrative Information
Custodial History
The custodial history of the papers is undocumented.
Preferred Citation
Ernest R. Knorr papers, 1849-1976. MC-05, "Folder Name." Data Library and Archives, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Acquisitions Information
Received as accession 1990-1.
Access
Open: materials are available for research.
Use
Copyright: Permission to publish material from the collection must be authorized by the Institution Archivist.
Arrangement
Arranged in a single series:
List of Series:
Folder List
Series: Subject Files
Dates
- 1849-1976
Scope and Content Note
The series consists of a variety of correspondence, newspaper clippings, patents and certificates, maps, collected papers and photos from Knorr's distinguished career, as well as a few items from after his death.
Arrangement
Folders are arranged in the order in which they received.
1
1
General Correspondence relating to Knorr dedication, biography research, collected papers; launching of R/V Knorr
Dates
- 1967-1973
1
2
Newspaper Clipping
Dates
1
3
U.S. Citizenship Certification
Dates
- May 20, 1859
1
4
Knorr Coat of Arms; Family Seal, B & W Calling Card
Dates
1
5
Model of Course Indicator
Dates
1
6
Measuring Device
Dates
1
7
Map-Part of Arctic Ocean...U.S. Ship Vincennes (Original working sheet - tracing of)
Dates
- 1855
1
8
Copy of letter to Commodore P. Drayton, USN Chief Bureau of Navigation - re: Gnomonic Projection
Dates
- July 22, 1865
1
9
Correspondence to Knorr; Appointments
Dates
- 1849-1854, 1948
1
10
US letter of Patent - Method of Measuring Distance.. Pat No. 317 801
Dates
- May 12, 1885
1
11
Letter of Certification for Patent "Course Indicator - Rear Adm, Chief of Bureau of Navigation
Dates
- May 9, 1863
1
12
Letter of Appreciation for Recognition of E. R. Knorr, Photo & bio
Dates
- 1967
1
13
Booklet - General Organization of US Hydrograph Office
Dates
- 1872
1
14
Table of Great Circle Courses - Cloth Tracing
Dates
- undated
1
15
Maps: Tsugar, Loo Choo, Ayan - from us Hydr office Archives
Dates
1
16
USS Vincennes in Asiatic Waters B & W Photo
Dates
- undated
1
17
Collected Papers of Ernest Knorr - Chap 1 and 2
Dates
- 1972
1
18
"A Few Words of International Cooperation in Marine Hydrography"
Dates
- 1884
1
19
"Ideas on a U. S. Hydrographic Bureau" Knorr-Handwritten
Dates
- undated
1
20
Memoranda on Running Survey....by Knorr
Dates
- 1872
1
21
Observations to determine Long. & Latit at Sea, Notebook
Dates
- November 1849
1
22
Popular Science Monthly - reprint "Hydrography" by Knorr
Dates
- March 1876
1
23
Standard Time for UD, Canada and Mexico
Dates
- 1882
1
24
Draft of untitled paper re: Tables based on Gnomonic Development of Earth's Surface (21 pages)
Dates
- undated
1
25
Draft of untitled paper re: Swedish attempt to chart route of N. W. Passage, etc.
Dates
- undated
1
26
E.R. Knorr Gnomonic Chart of the North Atlantic Ocean (Draft of Explanation)
Dates
- (1870?)
1
27
U. S. Letter of Patent "Device for finding Courses & Bearing of Marine Charts Pat No. 28,089
Dates
- May 1, 1860
1
28
Chinese Book "The Law of Storms in Chinese" by D.J. Maccowan, MD, Ninoo - Fragile
Dates
- 1853
1
29
Template to Plot Degree Bearings/Tracing Paper - Keuffel & Esser, N.Y.
Dates
- undated
1
30
Table.../for the Construction c/chart in Mecator's Projection; computed by Knorr
Dates
- undated
1
31
Papers on Surveying - Original Draft
Dates
- undated
2
1
R/V Knorr Book Materials
Dates
- 1861-1974?
2
2
Research about Knorr & Related Correspondence
Dates
- 1973-1976
2
3
Photos & Copies of "Ideas on a Hydrographic Bureau"
Dates
- undated
2
4
Collected Papers of E. R, Knorr (1 of 2)
Dates
2
5
Collected Papers of E. R. Knorr (2 of 2)
Dates
2
6
Letters, Correspondence, Copies of Events and Papers (1 of 3)
Dates
2
7
Letters, Correspondence, Copies of Events and Papers (2 of 3)
Dates
2
8
Eltanin U.S.N.S. (3 of 3)
Dates