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Richard L. Hall Papers

Notifications

Held at: Science History Institute Archives [Contact Us]315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Science History Institute Archives. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.

Overview and metadata sections

Call Number:
014
Repository:
Science History Institute Archives
Extent:
8.0 linear feet (3 record boxes, 1 hollinger box, and 1 half hollinger box. )
Language:
English
Preferred Citation:
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Richard L. Hall Papers, 1908-2018, Science History Institute Archives, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Date:
1908-2018 (inclusive) and 1970-2015 (bulk)
Creator:
Hall, Richard L., 1923-2019
Form:
Archival materials, Photographs, and CD ROMs
Abstract:
Business records, correspondence, papers, and personal research files of American flavor chemist Richard L. Hall.

Born on June 14, 1923 in Roseland, Nebraska, Richard L. Hall was an American flavor chemist who worked at McCormick & Company. Hall became interested in pursuing a career in chemistry from an early age. After graduating from high school at age fifteen, Hall received a scholarship to attend Harvard University.

After graduating from Harvard in 1943 with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, Hall enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces. Shortly after being discharged in 1945, Hall returned to Harvard where he received his master's and Ph.D. degrees in organic chemistry in 1948 and 1951 respectively.

Hall began work as a research chemist for McCormick & Company starting in 1950. He went on to receive the appointment of Research Director, before being subsequently promoted as Director of Research and Development in 1957. Hall then served as Vice President of Research and Development from 1968 to 1975 and was a member of the firm's Corporate Board of Directors until his retirement in 1988. While working at McCormick & Company, Hall developed synthetic spices used in the prevention of possible shortages and collaborated with several domestic and international flavor industry groups.

Hall also worked closely with the Food and Extract Manufacturer's Association (FEMA) in the development of the "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) program, which established the status of flavor ingredients described in the 1958 Food Additives Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Related to his work with the FEMA GRAS program, Hall additionally helped establish public policies regarding food additives with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Hall was a prolific writer, editor and publisher about toxicology, flavors, and sensory perception. He also served as president of the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) and the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). Hall was the recipient of several awards, including the 25th Anniversary Medal of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Richard L. Hall passed away on August 15, 2019.

Sources

Richard L. Hall Papers, Science History Institute Archives, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Richard L. Hall Papers contain the papers of Richard L. Hall. The collection is arranged into the following three series:

  1. Personal Files
  2. Publications Files
  3. Flavor Industry Groups and Organizations Files

The Richard L. Hall Papers were donated to the Science History Institute (formerly the Chemical Heritage Foundation) by Alfred Goosens in February 2017.

The Richard L. Hall Papers were processed by Sean Cureton in March 2023.

There are no other known archival collections created by Richard L. Hall preserved at the date of processing.

Organization
Subject
Place

Publisher
Science History Institute Archives
Finding Aid Author
Finding aid created and encoded into EAD by Sean Cureton.
Finding Aid Date
2023
Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes and the collection is open to the public.

Use Restrictions

The Science History Institute holds copyright to the Richard L. Hall Papers. The researcher assumes full responsibility for all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Collection Inventory

Series Description

This series contains Richard L. Hall's personal files. The files in this series contain correspondence, research materials, awards, and ephemera created and maintained by Hall. The contents of the Personal Files are arranged into the following two sub-series:

  1. Research Files
  2. Miscellaneous Files
Sub-series Description

Arranged alphabetically by subject, this sub-series contains research files created and maintained by Richard L. Hall. These files concern various subjects that were of research interest to Hall.

The contents of the Research Files consist mainly of correspondence. Other miscellaneous materials, including but not limited to articles, press releases, and printed materials, are preserved in this sub-series as well.

Agricultural, 1990-1992.
Box 1 Folder 1
Anxiety and Information, 1976-1977.
Box 1 Folder 2
Biotechnology, 1987-2000.
Box 1 Folder 3-5
Cancer and Carcinogenesis, 1970-2004.
Box 1 Folder 6-7
Chemical Ecology, 1964-1995.
Box 1 Folder 8
China, undated.
Box 1 Folder 9
Climate Change, 2009.
Box 1 Folder 10
Energy, undated.
Box 1 Folder 11
Environmental Safety, 2001.
Box 1 Folder 12
Federal Register, 2010.
Box 1 Folder 13
Flavor and Odors, 1979-1985.
Box 1 Folder 14
Food Additives, 1972-1987.
Box 1 Folder 15
Food and Drug Laws, 1975-2006.
Box 1 Folder 16
Foods and Nutrition, 1983-2005.
Box 1 Folder 17
Food Safety, 1984-2015.
Box 1 Folder 18
Food Security, 1984-2008.
Box 1 Folder 19
Genetic Toxicology in Flavoring Substances, undated.
Box 1 Folder 20
Gregory I. Altschuller, 1967-1982.
Box 1 Folder 21
Horn of Africa, undated.
Box 1 Folder 22
Medicine and Public Health, 1954-2006.
Box 1 Folder 23
Paracelsus, 1980-1987.
Box 1 Folder 24
Risk Assessment, 1980-1988.
Box 1 Folder 25
Spices and Herbs, 1986-1995.
Box 1 Folder 26
Starvation and Disease, 1993.
Box 1 Folder 27
World Food Problem, 1993.
Box 1 Folder 28
World Poverty, 2003-2005.
Box 1 Folder 29
Sub-series Description

Arranged alphabetically by subject, this sub-series consists of ephemeral materials collected, created, and maintained by Richard L. Hall. These files concern various subjects of personal and professional interest to Hall.

The contents of the Miscellaneous Files consist mainly of presentations, drafts, certificates, articles, notes, and ephemera. Compared to the rest of the collection, the items represented by this sub-series offer the most thematically disparate and wide-ranging representation of the collection's contents.

Armed Forces Epidemiological Board Book, 1990.
Box 1 Folder 30
Ashby Chart, 1985.
Box 1 Folder 31
Biography and Resume, 1988.
Box 1 Folder 32
"Causes of Cancer" Article, 1981.
Box 1 Folder 33
Dietary Supplements Based on Safety Registration Form, 2001.
Box 1 Folder 34
Credentialing Analysis: Food Safety, 2009.
Box 1 Folder 35
Definitions of Food, Component, Constituent, Ingredient, and Additive, undated.
Box 1 Folder 36
Drugs Talk Presentation to Blakehurst Retirement Home, 2007.
Box 1 Folder 37
Food Additives Ranked by Consumption , 1986.
Box 1 Folder 38
Food and Health Presentation with CD Audio Recording, 2008.
Box 1 Folder 39
General Note

Contains 1 CD-ROM.

"What I Eat and Why," by Harvey W. Wiley, 1908.
Box 1 Folder 40
International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists Certified Food Scientist Certificate, 2018.
Box 1 Folder 41
Intake Estimates, 2004-2005.
Box 1 Folder 42
International Academy of Food Science and Technology Founding Fellows Certificate, 1997.
Box 1 Folder 43
"Lessons Learned" Autobiographical Draft, 2012.
Box 1 Folder 44
Nutrition Reviews: A Special Supplement, 1974.
Box 1 Folder 45
Phenylthiocarbamate Correspondence, 2006.
Box 1 Folder 46
Polish Academy of Sciences Medal Certificate, 1986.
Box 1 Folder 47
Risks and Benefits Draft and Floppy Disk, 2006.
Box 1 Folder 48
General Note

Contains 1 3.5 inch floppy disk.

Series Description

This series contains Richard L. Hall's published works. Arranged alphabetically by title, this series contains articles, book chapters, and papers written by Hall. These files concern Hall's contributions to the field of flavor chemistry.

The contents of the Publications Files consist mainly of published pieces of writing by Hall. Including pieces written for and about such flavor industry groups and organizations as the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the files contained in this series represent Hall's contributions to flavor science and technology.

"A 'Diet Wholesome," Food Technology, Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), 1973.
Box 1 Folder 49
"A Modern Three R's", 1973.
Box 1 Folder 50
"The Challenges to Food Science", 1980.
Box 1 Folder 51
"Commercialization of the Food Irradiation Process", 1989.
Box 2 Folder 1
"Estimation of Toxic Hazard: A Decision Tree Approach", 1978.
Box 2 Folder 2
"Faith, Fad, Fear, and Food," Chemical Toxicology, 1973.
Box 2 Folder 3
"FEMA GRAS: A GRAS Assessment", 1995.
Box 2 Folder 4
"Flavor and Flavoring," Food Technology, Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), 1968.
Box 2 Folder 5
"Flavoring Agents as Food Additives," Food Technology, Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), 1959.
Box 2 Folder 6
"Flavoring Ingredients: Gas Substances," Food Technology, Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), 1965.
Box 2 Folder 7
"Flavor Priority Ranking System", 1992.
Box 2 Folder 8
"Foodborne Illnesses," Emerging Infectious Diseases, 1997.
Box 2 Folder 9
"Food Flavors: Benefits and Problems," Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), 1968.
Box 2 Folder 10
"Food Toxicology and Safety Evaluation," Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), 1989.
Box 2 Folder 11
"Global Challenges for Food Science Students," Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), 1992.
Box 2 Folder 12
"Information, Confidence, and Sanity," Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), 1971.
Box 2 Folder 13
"Pioneers in Food Science and Technology," Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), 1989.
Box 2 Folder 14
"Role of Flavors in Food Processing," Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), 2010.
Box 2 Folder 15
"Safe at the Plate" with CD-ROM and Drafts, Nutrition Today, 1977.
Box 2 Folder 16
General Note

Contains 1 CD-ROM.

"Safety Assessment of Flavor Ingredients," American Chemical Society, 1995.
Box 2 Folder 17
"Safety Evaluation of Nutraceuticals", 1998-1999.
Box 2 Folder 18
"Safety of Flavoring Substitutes", 1968.
Box 2 Folder 19
"Self-Regulation in the Food Industry", 1964.
Box 2 Folder 20
"Toxic Substances Naturally Present in Food", 1970.
Box 2 Folder 21
"What Will Food Science Require of Technology", 1984.
Box 2 Folder 22
"White House Conference Recommendations", 1971.
Box 2 Folder 23

Series Description

This series contains Richard L. Hall's materials related to several flavor industry groups and organizations. The contents of the Flavor Industry Groups and Organizations Files are arranged into the following five sub-series:

  1. Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) Files
  2. Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Files
  3. International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) Files
  4. McCormick Company Files
  5. Other Groups and Organizations Files
Sub-series Description

Arranged alphabetically by subject, this sub-series consists of materials related to Richard L. Hall's involvement with the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA). These files primarily concern Hall's professional work.

The contents of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) Files consist mainly of correspondence and organizational materials. Topics covered in this sub-series include documents detailing Hall's work with developing the "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) program, as well as materials pertaining to his participation in the Decision Tree Task Force and the Naturals Task Force committees.

Annual Meeting List, 1984.
Box 2 Folder 24
Board of Governors Meeting, 1992.
Box 2 Folder 25
Decision Tree Revision Task Force Correspondence, 1987-1999.
Box 2 Folder 26
Decision Tree Revision Task Force Correspondence, 1997-1998.
Box 2 Folder 27
Decision Tree Revision Task Force Correspondence, 1998-1999.
Box 2 Folder 28
Decision Tree Revision Task Force Correspondence, 2000-2002.
Box 2 Folder 29
Decision Tree Revision Task Force Correspondence, 1997-2001.
Box 2 Folder 30
Decision Tree Revision Task Force Meeting Correspondence, 1998.
Box 2 Folder 31
Decision Tree Revision Task Force Meeting Correspondence, 1999.
Box 2 Folder 32
Decision Tree Revision Task Force Minutes, 1997-1998.
Box 2 Folder 33
First Expert Panel Photograph, 1961.
Box 2 Folder 34
General Note

Contains 1 black and white photograph.

Flavoring Ingredient Names, 1992.
Box 2 Folder 35
Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Program Correspondence and Research, 2008-2015.
Box 2 Folder 36
Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Program Evaluation of Flavoring Substances Criteria, 1977.
Box 2 Folder 37
Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Program Substances Alphabetical Ranking, 1996.
Box 2 Folder 38
History Research, circa 2005.
Box 2 Folder 39
Labeling and How It Grew Presentation, 2005.
Box 2 Folder 40
Literature Sources and Correspondence, 2008.
Box 2 Folder 41
Miscellaneous, 1999-2010.
Box 2 Folder 42
Natural Food Research and Correspondence, 1990-1997.
Box 2 Folder 43
Natural Food Research and Correspondence, 1991-2012.
Box 2 Folder 44
Naturals Task Force Correspondence, 2002.
Box 2 Folder 45-46
Oil Chart, undated.
Box 2 Folder 47
Retirement Messages Book, 2009.
Box 2 Folder 48
Science Award Correspondence, 2007.
Box 2 Folder 49
Sub-series Description

Arranged alphabetically by subject, this sub-series consists of materials related to Richard L. Hall's involvement with the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). These files primarily concern Hall's professional work.

The contents of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Files consist mainly of correspondence and organizational materials. Topics covered in this sub-series include several documents pertaining to the Third International Congress of Food Science and Technology — more frequently referred to as SOS/70 — and its legacy, as well as reports on food safety, science, and research conducted internally by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).

A Century of Food Science Report, 2000.
Box 2 Folder 50
Bernard L. Oser Award, 2000.
Box 2 Folder 51
Experiments in Food Science Series, 1996-1997.
Box 2 Folder 52
Finance Committee Meeting Correspondence with Presentation Slides of Text, 2000.
Box 3 Folder 1
General Note

Contains 16 color slides.

Food Irradiation Research, 2009.
Box 3 Folder 2
Food Safety Credentialing Correspondence, 2009.
Box 3 Folder 3
Food Safety Research and Correspondence, 2010.
Box 3 Folder 4
Global Strategy Advisory Panel Report, 2010.
Box 3 Folder 5
Inspiration for Tomorrow Program, 1989.
Box 3 Folder 6
Miscellaneous, 2000.
Box 3 Folder 7
Retreat Materials, 2012.
Box 3 Folder 8
Third International Congress of Food Science and Technology (SOS/70) Memorabilia and Three Photographs of Hall, Richard L. with Organization Members, 1970.
Box 3 Folder 9
General Note

Contains 3 black and white photographs.

Third International Congress of Food Science and Technology (SOS/70) Program, 1970.
Box 3 Folder 10
Third International Congress of Food Science and Technology (SOS/70) Research and Correspondence, 2000-2010.
Box 3 Folder 11
Third International Congress of Food Science and Technology (SOS/70) Safety-in-Use of Flavors Presentation, 1970.
Box 3 Folder 12
Third International Congress of Food Science and Technology (SOS/70), Today and Beyond Presentation, 2010.
Box 3 Folder 13
Strategic Opportunities Report, 2009.
Box 3 Folder 14
Suggested Basis for Safety Evaluation Presentation, 2002.
Box 3 Folder 15
Sub-series Description

Arranged alphabetically by subject, this sub-series consists of materials related to Richard L. Hall's involvement with the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST). These files primarily concern Hall's professional work.

The contents of the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) Files consist mainly of correspondence and organizational materials. Topics covered in this sub-series include materials pertaining to organizational symposiums, presentations, newsletters, and retrospective articles about the impact that the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) as an industry leader in food science and technology.

Chemical Changes During Food Processing Symposium , 1984.
Box 3 Folder 16
Executive Committee Photograph of Hall, Richard L. and Others at Lunch, 1980.
Box 3 Folder 17
General Note

Contains 1 color photograph.

Food Safety Presentation, 1999.
Box 3 Folder 18
Food Safety Presentation Slides of Text and Five Color Photographs, 1999.
Box 3 Folder 19
General Note

Contains 74 color slides.

Founders Lecture, 1999.
Box 3 Folder 20
Members with Hall, Richard L. Photograph, undated.
Box 3 Folder 21
General Note

Contains 1 color photograph.

Miscellaneous, 2001-2007.
Box 3 Folder 22
Newsletter, 1998.
Box 3 Folder 23
Newsletter, 1999.
Box 3 Folder 24
Nutrition Research, undated.
Box 3 Folder 25
Twenty-Five Years of IUFoST Article, 1996.
Box 3 Folder 26
Sub-series Description

Arranged alphabetically by subject, this sub-series consists of materials related to Richard L. Hall's involvement with McCormick & Company. These files primarily concern Hall's professional work.

The contents of the McCormick & Company Files consist mainly of correspondence and organizational materials. Topics covered in this sub-series include professional presentation materials and supporting documents created by Hall during his time with the company, where he served as Vice President of Research and Development.

Brazilian Pink Pepper Berries Research, 1982.
Box 3 Folder 27
Food Composition and Safety Presentation, 1985.
Box 3 Folder 28
Food Myths Presentation, 1983.
Box 3 Folder 29
Food Myths Presentation Slides of Photographs and Paintings, 1983.
Box 3 Folder 30
General Note

Contains 54 color slides.

Food Irradiation Research and Correspondence, 1987.
Box 3 Folder 31
Food Irradiation and Safety Aspects Presentation, 1985.
Box 3 Folder 32
Food Irradiation and Safety Aspects Presentation Slides of Photographs and Text, 1985.
Box 3 Folder 33
General Note

Contains 26 color slides.

Food and Its Properties Presentation, undated.
Box 3 Folder 34
Medical Absences Records and Correspondence, 1993.
Box 3 Folder 35
"The Nose Knows," Presentation, undated.
Box 3 Folder 36
Possible Directions for Food Research Presentation, 2007.
Box 3 Folder 37
Safe at the Plate? Event Flyer, 1977.
Box 3 Folder 38
Toxic Substances Naturally Present in Food Presentation, 1970.
Box 3 Folder 39
The Vanilla Experience, 1985.
Box 3 Folder 40
Sub-series Description

Arranged alphabetically by subject, this sub-series consists of materials related to Richard L. Hall's involvement with other flavor industry groups and organizations. These files primarily concern Hall's professional work.

The contents of the Other Groups and Organizations Files consist mainly of correspondence and organizational materials. Topics covered by this sub-series include materials pertaining to Hall's work with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Academy of Sciences, and the World Food Prize, in addition to other groups and organizations.

American Spice Trade Association Presentation, CD Recording, and Correspondence, 2004.
Box 3 Folder 41
General Note

Contains 1 CD-ROM.

Assembly of Life Sciences Saccharin Assessment, 1978.
Box 3 Folder 42
Council for Agricultural Science and Technology Annual Report, 2005-2006.
Box 3 Folder 43
Causation and Financial Compensation Conference at Georgetown University Medical Center Program, 1986.
Box 3 Folder 44
Dietary Life of Rice-Eating Populations Symposium Report, 1987.
Box 3 Folder 45
Dilemma of Causation in Toxic Torts from Georgetown University Medical Center, undated.
Box 3 Folder 46
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Food Supply Report, 1988.
Box 3 Folder 47
Food and Drug Administration Congressional Testimony, 1995.
Box 3 Folder 48
Food and Drug Administration Additive Legislation, 1995.
Box 3 Folder 49
Food and Drug Administration Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 2006.
Box 3 Folder 50
Food and Drug Administration Pathogenic Microorganisms Report, 1989.
Box 3 Folder 51
Food and Drug Administration Wholly New Regulated Additives, 1978-1985.
Box 3 Folder 52
First Asian Conference on Food Safety Proceedings, 1990.
Box 3 Folder 53
Food Chemical News Highlights, 1971.
Box 3 Folder 54
Food Safety Council Food Safety Assessment, 1980.
Box 3 Folder 55
Food Safety Council Proposed Food Safety Evaluation Process, 1982.
Box 3 Folder 56
International Development Research Center Working Group Meeting, 1984.
Box 3 Folder 57
International Life Sciences Institute Meeting Correspondence, 1998.
Box 3 Folder 58
International Life Sciences Institute Structure Activity Relationship Database Project Committee Meeting and Correspondence, 1998.
Box 3 Folder 59
National Academies Scientific Criteria to Ensure Safe Food (Chapters 1-4), 2003.
Box 4 Folder 1
National Academies Scientific Criteria to Ensure Safe Food (Chapters 5-8), 2003.
Box 4 Folder 2
National Academy of Sciences Correspondence, 1992.
Box 4 Folder 3
National Academy of Sciences Food and Nutrition Board Photograph, 1981.
Box 4 Folder 4
General Note

Contains 1 black and white photograph.

National Academy of Sciences Guidelines for Estimating Toxicologically Insignificant Levels of Chemicals in Food, 1969.
Box 4 Folder 5
National Health Museum Newsletters and Correspondence, 2000-2001.
Box 4 Folder 6
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Carcinogens and Anticarcinogens in the Human Diet Report, 1996.
Box 4 Folder 7
Northeast Regional Environmental Public Health Center Newsletters, 1997-1999.
Box 4 Folder 8
National Science Foundation Panel on Chemicals and Health of the President's Science Advisory Committee Report, 1973.
Box 4 Folder 9
Society of Flavor Chemists Correspondence, 2007.
Box 4 Folder 10
Society of Toxicology Journal, 1984.
Box 4 Folder 11
Toxicants and Antitoxicants Presentation, 1992.
Box 4 Folder 12
Toxicology Forum Materials, 1995-2008.
Box 4 Folder 13
World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue Programs, 2007-2009.
Box 4 Folder 14
World Food Prize Celebrating Ten Years Pamphlets, 1996.
Box 5 Folder 1
World Food Prize Invitation to Nominate, 2005-2008.
Box 5 Folder 2
World Food Prize Laureate Award Ceremony Program, 2008.
Box 5 Folder 3
World Food Prize Miscellaneous Materials, 1996-2009.
Box 5 Folder 4
World Food Prize President's Report, 2000-2006.
Box 5 Folder 5
World Food Prize Twentieth Anniversary Program, 2006.
Box 5 Folder 6

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