Guide to the Joseph W. Beard Papers, 1920-1983
Abstract:
Contains the professional papers of Joseph W. Beard, virologist at the Duke University School of Medicine, and Dorothy Beard, his research partner and wife. Types of materials include correspondence, writings, memorabilia, contracts, certificates, plaques, photographs, a drawing, and a eulogy. Major subjects include Duke University Medical Center, cancer research, virus diseases, leukemia, avian leukosis viruses, oncogenic viruses, and virus disease. Materials range in date from 1920 to 1983.
- Contact Information:
- Duke University Medical Center
Archives and Memorabilia
DUMC 3702
Durham, North Carolina
27710 USA
Phone: (919) 383-2653
Fax: (919) 383-1649
Email: dumc.archives@mc.duke.edu - Processed by
- Emily Glenn
- Date Completed
- November 2003
- Encoded by
- Emily Glenn
- Date Encoded
- December 2003
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Joseph W. Beard Papers, 1920-1983
- Creator
- Beard, Joseph W. (Joseph Willis), 1901-
- Extent
-
- 4 record storage boxes,
- 1,500 items,
- 2.5 linear feet
- Repository
- Duke University Medical Center Archives.
- Call Number
- MC0006
- Location
- Archives Stacks: 9c
Information for Users
- Usage Restrictions
- Copyright for Official University records is held by Duke University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.
- Preferred Citation
- [Identification of item], Joseph W. Beard Papers, Duke University Medical Center Archives.
Biographical Note
Joseph Willis Beard was born in Athens, Louisiana in 1906. He earned his degrees from University of Chicago (B.S., 1925) and Vanderbilt University (M.D., 1929). Joseph Beard met his wife, Dorothy Waters, at Vanderbilt University. Dorothy Waters Beard, a 1929 graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, became a prominent member of Joseph Beard's research group, collaborating with him on over 125 research publications.
Joseph Beard was noted for his early accomplishments in cancer and viruses in animal and humans. In 1933, Beard and scientist Peyton Rous of the Rockefeller Institute wanted to study a particular group of cells. They devised the method of pulling blood cells out of veins using a magnetic force. The New York Evening World Telegram called their accomplishment an 'ingenious trick.'
Beard joined the Duke University faculty in 1937. Together, Joseph and Dorothy Beard were an internationally prominent cancer research team. In 1938, one year after coming to Duke University, Dr. Beard's group developed the first usable vaccine for equine encephalomyelitis, a disease that then struck down thousands of horses. This development was due in part to the generous funding of Lederle Laboratories, owned by William Brown Bell, a Duke Endowment Trustee and President of American Cyanamid Company. Bell's support allowed Duke scientists to progress rapidly in successfully developing the vaccine and subsequently becoming national leaders in vaccine and immunization.
In the 1940s, Beard purified and photographed the virus which causes warts and skin cancer in rabbits. In 1950, Beard received a grant from the American Cancer Society to research and isolate the cause of avian leukosis, a cancer-like disease that cost the poultry industry millions of dollars each year. In subsequent research, Dr. Beard isolated and identified cancer viruses that cause leukemia in chickens, and he and his associates were one of the two groups to first report tangible evidence of viruses in association with human leukemia.
Beard became the James B. Duke professor of surgery in 1946 and was appointed professor of virology in 1965. Beard received Borden Award for outstanding research in medicine, presented annually by the Association of American Medical Colleges. Beard continued to be recognized locally and nationally for his work, winning funding and awards frequently.
Beard produced over 300 publications on surgical shock; chemical, physical, and biological properties of animal viruses; and on cancer induced by mammalian and avian viruses. Some of Dr. Beard's works include International Conference on Avian Tumor Viruses 1964, Symposium: Phenomena of the Tumor Viruses 1960, Bacteriology (1957), and Microbiology (1960).
Joseph Beard served Duke University until his retirement in 1973. From about 1973 until 1983, the Beards were associated with Life Sciences Incorporated, located in their place of retirement, St. Petersburg, Florida. Joseph Beard died in 1983.
Collection Overview
Organized into the following series: Correspondence, 1930-1971; Personal Materials, 1930-1970; Research and Legal Materials, 1940-1982; Photographs, Memorabilia, and Awards, circa 1920-1971; Oversized Photographs and Scrapbooks, circa 1920-1956.
Scrapbooks were disassembled and refoldered due to preservation concerns. Oversize materials are housed in Box 4.
Online Catalog Headings
- Duke University. Medical Center.
- Beard, Joseph W. (Joseph Willis), 1901-
- Beard, Dorothy
- Cancer -- Research.
- Encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan Equine.
- Immunization.
- Leukemia
- Leukosis Virus, Avian.
- Virus Diseases.
- Duke University. Hospital.
Collection Series
Detailed Description of the Collection
Related Material
Collection: Wilburt C. Davison Papers.
Repository: Duke University Medical Center Archives.