Papers of Prof. Mike Notis

Collection

Identifier: SC MS 0363

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection contains documents that related to Prof. Notis’s research in metallurgy, including studying ancient tools, traditional Japanese and Chinese metal work, etc. Documents include published papers, pictorial and textual data about laboratory research, historical information about Biblical archeology; published theses and eight books.

Dates

Creation: 1960-1992

Creator

Notis, Michael Richard, 1938- (Person)

Access Restrictions

Access Restrictions: Collection housed remotely. Users need to contact 24 hours in advance.

Use Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Copyright Notice

Please inquire about copyright information.

Biographical / Historical

Dr. Michael Richard Notis was born in 1938 in Allentown (Pa.) and is a Professor Emeritus in Lehigh’s Department of Material Sciences and Engineering (as of March 2019). While in the department, he was advisor to many students, conducted research on metallurgy and served a time as department chair. He made at least two visits to China in pursuit of his interest in ancient metallurgical methods. Professor Notis specialized in metallurgy with an interest in ancient tools and instruments most notably his work to learn the secrets of the samurai sword along with colleague Richard Vinci but also analysis of artifacts found at the Colonial Williamsburg archaeological site. The analysis of the steel in the process of manufacture of a samurai sword was recorded in a PBS TV NOVA special [LN912s DVD, MCDVD968]. Notis earned his Bachelors ‘60, Masters ‘63 and PhD ‘69 from Lehigh University. He and his wife, Ruth, have four children: Beth, Mark, Jennifer and Debra.

Extent

1.5 Linear Feet (3 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The collection contains documents that related to Prof. Notis’s research in metallurgy, including studying ancient tools, traditional Japanese and Chinese metal work, etc.