Biographical Sources
Biographical information may be found in a variety of sources depending largely on the level of prominence of the person involved. Very famous scientists may have full biographies in HOLLIS. Somewhat less well-known persons (as well as the very famous) can be found in the many biographical dictionaries. There are indexes to the thousands of biographical dictionaries: see below.
Biographical Dictionaries
American men of science; a biographical directory, 1906- . [title varies: American men & women of science, 1971- ].
HOLLIS Records
Internet Archive Full Text (1905-1970)
Internet Archive Full Text (1971-2009) Open Year on left to select your year)
Index to editions 1/14:
Cabot Science Q141 .A471 1983 CUM. Index 1-14
Widener WID-LC Q141 .A474 (At beginning)
Widener | S 120.15.5 (shelved before 14th ed.)
Internet Archive Full TextIndexed by Biography and Genealogy Master Index (BGMI) from 12th ed. (1971/73) to present.
Dictionary of scientific biography and New Dictionary of Scientific Biography offer biographical sketches on deceased scientists, including excellent lists of primary and secondary literature. Volume 16 includes a general index and a list of scientists by field. Volumes 17 & 18 are supplements containing scientists left out of the main series and those dying between 1970 and 1981. New Dictionary of Scientific Biography contains new articles about scientists dying after 1950 and earlier figures omitted from the original Dictionary together with articles updating entries in the original.
World Biographical Information System includes the full text of thousands of biographical dictionaries. Worldwide in scope and includes dictionaries dating from the 17th through the 20th centuries in many languages. Divided into many "Archives" dealing with different countries or regions. For several archives, printed indexes are available in the Widener Reference Room. A few archives are only on microfiches in the Widener Reference Room. A more detailed description is available.
American National Biography is the standard American source for biographies of major figures. Can do searches of occupations and limit by date.
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography is the standard British source for biographies of major figures. Can do searches of occupations and limit by date: Advanced Search Options: People Search.
Biographical Indexes
Biography and Genealogy Master Index indexes numerous English-language biographical works. Look these up in HOLLIS.
For more information on finding biographies see Finding Biographical Information.