Scope and content: This fonds documents the history of the Department of Chemistry from the early 1930s, when Francis J. Toole first headed the department, to 1972, the year in which Zdenek Valenta resigned as department chairman. It also reflects the important role Toole played in the growth and development of both the department and the university. In addition, it highlights Karel Wiesner's contributions to the growth of chemistry at UNB. The fonds also documents the importance of National Research Council monies to the expansion and growth of academic and research programmes at UNB.

The fonds consists of 4 series: 1. F.J. Toole Administration. 2. Zdenek Valenta Administration. 3. Department of Chemistry - Minutes. 4. Photographs. It contains incoming and outgoing correspondence, drafts of scientific papers, departmental and committee reports, architectural plans, lecture and research notes, examination question sheets, completed research grant applications, and departmental, committee and organizational minutes.

Although Toole and Valenta are the primary correspondents, the fonds includes numerous letters written by other members of UNB's chemistry department, especially Wiesner. It appears to have been common practice to file both incoming letters addressed to chemistry faculty members and their outgoing responses with departmental correspondence.

Title based on contents of series.

Generally, original file titles have been retained although some have been amplified for clarity.

Several files were created by archivist from materials that were not filed by creator at the time of acquisition. These files have been identified.

Correspondence was located throughout the fonds attached to other materials such as departmental minutes. These items have not been separated.

Researchers interested in Karel Wiesner's work at UNB should consult the finding aid for the Karel Wiesner fonds, reference number UA RG 258.

For additional information about F.J. Toole and his administration, researchers should consult the following: Norah Toole interview with Janet Toole, 1983, University of New Brunswick Oral History Programme, reference no. UA RG 153; R.H. Wright interview with Janet Toole, 1975, University of New Brunswick Oral History Programme, reference no. UA RG 153; and R.H. Wright, UNB War Research Correspondence, reference number UA RG 180.

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