Special Collections

Introduction to the Collection

The Matthew N. Chappell Collection at Hofstra University consists of the professional papers of Chappell, as well as those of Frank Henry (F.H.) Pike (1876-1953), a professor of physiology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons (Columbia University) until his retirement in 1941. Pike was Chappell's mentor during Chappell's years of study and teaching at Columbia. In subsequent years, the two collaborated on research pertaining to the physiology of the nervous system and physiological psychology.

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Arranged to reflect the various roles filled by Chappell over the course of his career (namely radio broadcaster, scientific researcher, college professor and author), the collection includes a large amount of research notes, a substantial number of typescripts on a variety of topics, and radio scripts. Material documenting Chappell's years at Hofstra include lecture notes, the 1953 study of alcohol usage among high school students and a 1957 study on prejudice.

Born in 1900, Chappell taught at Columbia University between 1927 and 1938. During the later part of this period, he did a series of radio talk shows on topics of psychological interest. He wrote extensively during the late 1930s through the 1940s. From 1950 through 1967, Chappell taught in the psychology department of Hofstra. He was department chairman between 1950 and 1961. Chappell died in 1968.

The Matthew N. Chappell Collection is arranged in seven series:

1. Bio Personal Papers – correspondence is arranged chronologically within folders; class notes are arranged chronologically.
2. Chappell as Teacher – dated material are arranged chronologically followed by undated material.
3. Chappell as Radio Broadcaster – arranged chronologically.
4. Chappell as Author – dated typescripts arranged chronologically; undated typescripts arranged alphabetically.
5. Chappell as Researcher – arranged alphabetically by subject; drafts and/or typescripts follow relevant topical notes when possible.
6. Chappell and Pike – collaborative research writings arranged alphabetically by subject.
7. Papers of F.H. Pike – arranged in six sub-series.
   
   1. Biographical information.
   2. Correspondence - arranged chronologically.
   3. Subject notes - arranged chronologically.
   4. Collected notes on scientists - arranged alphabetically by last name.
   5. Reprints by Pike.
   6. Collected material - miscellaneous print materials and notes.

Samples from the Matthew N. Chappell Collection

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