Torrey, Ray Ethan, 1887-
Ray Ethan Torrey Papers, 1832-198313 boxes (5.5 linear feet).
A plant morphologist and member of the Botany Department at Massachusetts Agricultural College, Ray Ethan Torrey was among the college’s most charismatic faculty members during the early twentieth century. Born in Leverett, Mass., and educated in the local public schools, Torrey graduated from MAC with the class of 1912, earning his PhD at Harvard six years later. After serving on the faculty of Grove City College and Wesleyan, he returned to his alma mater in 1919, where he remained for more than 36 years. A specialist in plant morphology and author or two widely used textbooks and numerous articles, Torrey’s introductory course in botany was among the most popular in the college. He was best known, however, for taking a broader, philosophical approach to science that encouraged students to explore the connections between philosophy, science, religion, and the humanities. Torrey died of leukemia in Boston on Jan. 16, 1956.
Correspondence, chiefly with former students and colleagues at other institutions; lecture notes and outlines; 27 pen and ink drawings; published writings and drawings; biographical material; class and laboratory notes taken by students; family and educational records (1832-1956); photographs, and other papers.
- Botany--Study and teaching.
- University of Massachusetts Amherst--Faculty.
- University of Massachusetts Amherst. Department of Botany.
- Torrey, Ray Ethan, 1887-.
Dr. Torrey was a fascinating man. I took his botany course in the fall of 1946 right after I came out of the navy. I was not yet tuned to studying and barely made it through the course with my lowest grade (2 points above flunking)in all of my college courses.
For several hours each Friday evening Dr. Torrey would “talk” to men at the Botany building. As many as 4 or 5 dozen would attend and discuss at each of these sessions lasting several hours. He read books during the summer and took notes which were the basis of our discussions–philosophy, science, religion, etc. The talks and discussions were enlightening. Dr. torrey warned us about the “Black Lodge.” Because of what he told us I never have gone to a fortune teller. In fact I felt strengthened in my Christian faith.
November 19th, 2008 at 9:12 am