Series 284: University of Mississippi Purchase Reports. 1855-1856. Institutions of Higher Learning. University of Mississippi (RG 39).

Two documents related to purchasing equipment and materials for the University of Mississippi’s departments of chemistry, natural philosophy, astronomy, and civil engineering. The first document details F. [Frederick] A. P. Barnard’s work in establishing a laboratory for the university. Barnard begins with a narrative description of the state of the various departments prior to his arrival, and the numerous efforts he undertook to improve matters through purchasing the best equipment then available. He then provides an itemized list of everything purchased for the laboratory. The second document dates from the end of 1856 and contains a list of books related to chemistry, engineering, and geography purchased for the university. Volumes on literature and history are also on the list. The books were purchased on account from D. [David] Van Nostrand through the university’s library fund.