Letters, including family correspondence; diaries; personalia; financial papers; manuscripts of his writings and speeches; notebooks; lecture notes; computations and drawings; subject files; photographs; reports; sketches; maps; clippings. Service with the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Service and with various commissions, governmental and private; interests in science, engineering, geography and navigation, history of California, etc.; association with the University of California as Regent and as professor. Included also: some papers of his wife and children, and papers relating to his wife's family (Fauntleroy family and Owen family).

George Davidson - geodesist, astronomer, geographer and engineer - was born in Nottingham, England, on May 9, 1825. In 1832 he came to the United States with his parents, who settled in Pennsylvania. Upon graduation from Central High School, Philadelphia, he was appointed magnetic observer at Girard College Observatory.

Number of containers: 69 boxes, 27 cartons, 3 volumes, 1 oversize package, 11 oversize folders, 1 oversize portfolio. Linear feet: circa 65.

Materials in this collection may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Collection is open for research except for Cartons 23 and 29 which are unarranged and unavailable for use. Inquiries concerning these materials should be directed, in writing, to the Head of the Public Services of The Bancroft Library.