Edward Staunton West collection

Collection

Identifier: 2017-004

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Edward Staunton West collection houses materials detailing the life of Edward Staunton West. This collection, which dates from 1959 to 2017, consists of a portrait, an interview on cassette, an article, and photographic slides used in a tribute at his memorial service. The portrait was drawn in pencil by Charles T. Dotter, M.D. in December of 1962. While small, this collection evidences the reflections of West’s coworkers and colleagues as well as his own personal recollections on his life.

Dates

Creation: 1959-2017

Creator

Raines, J. Richard (James Richard), 1911-2006 (Donor, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access. This collection is open to the public.

Conditions Governing Use

OHSU Historical Collections & Archives (HC&A) is the owner of the original materials and digitized images in our collections, however, the collection may contain materials for which copyright is not held. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials. Consult with HC&A to determine if we can provide permission for use.

Biographical

Edward Staunton West, born in Stuart, Virginia on September 9, 1896, received his undergraduate degree from Randolph-Macon University in Virginia, an M.S. from Kansas State College, and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Chicago in 1923. West later became a professor with the Department of Biochemistry at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1934 he accepted an offer to chair the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Oregon Medical School (UOMS) in Portland, Oregon. Shortly after his arrival at UOMS, he became Chairman of the Admissions Committee. Dr. West fathered the Primate Center (the first in the nation) with Dr. Donald Pickering.

During WWII, Edward was a consultant to the Army and Navy for premedical training programs and served as Director of Research for the U.S. Quartermaster Corps. Continuing his studies, West took basic courses in radioisotopes at the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies in 1948 and coauthored a biochemistry textbook with Dr. Wilbert Todd that was considered to be the most outstanding in the field. He retired in 1966 at the age of 70 after 32 years at UOMS. After retirement, he began working as an assistant to the Primate Center Director, Dr. William Mantagna, and continued to serve as senior advisor to the UOMS Admissions Committee. As one of his favorite diversions, he initiated the noontime horseshoe tournaments at UOMS and was an avid outdoorsman.

He was married to Ruth Hurd West (1894-1969), who preceded him in death. After Ruth passed, he married Ruth’s first cousin, Muriel Jennings Schori, in 1969. Muriel passed way in 1985. Dr. West died several years later in 1988.

Extent

.33 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Edward Staunton West served as chair of the Department of Biochemistry at University of Oregon Medical School for 32 years before retiring. He was instrumental in establishing the Primate Center and served as a consultant for the Army and Navy during World War II. This collection consists of a portrait, photographic slides, an interview on cassette, and an article on West.