-contributed by Emily Gainer.
Sometimes, a book is more than a book. It’s a storage container for an archival gem that surprises and delights everyone at the CCHP. While working on a shelving project for the CCHP book collection, I opened a copy of Psychology: From the Standpoint of a Behaviorist by John B. Watson, 1919. On the inside cover, Watson signed and inscribed the book to Mr. Arthur Hays. While this is an interesting discovery, the best was yet to come.
The book, “Psychology: From the Standpoint of a Behaviorist” by John B. Watson, includes a signed inscription.
This copy, donated by Edward Girden, also includes a handwritten letter from Watson to Hays. The letter is dated October 20, 1920. As we know, this is an important time in Watson’s life and career. Read, in Watson’s own handwriting, some details from that time period!
A handwritten letter from John B. Watson to Mr. Hays is adhered to the inside of “Psychology: From the Standpoint of a Behaviorist” by Watson. See the next photograph for a closer scan of this letter.
The letter from John B. Watson to Mr. Hays is adhered to the inside of the book, “Psychology: From the Standpoint of a Behaviorist”. The book and letter are housed at the CCHP.
Transcript of letter:
Dear Mr. Hays,
Many thanks for the letter – for a wonder my non-legal mind took it in. No further word – no letters. Have not been served with papers. Have been unable to get into touch with my wife. Probably out of town.
Rosalie left for Baltimore for a visit.
I understand that I am to be honored with an invitation to accept a professorship of psychology in the new school along with John Dewey – Arthur Robinson and Veblen. I meet with the representatives Friday evening. This would immediately “rehabilitate” me. I hope it is true for Rosalie’s sake.
With kindest regards to Mrs. Hays. Sincerely yours
John B. Watson
Oct 20/1920
Finding an important document inside the pages of a book serves as a good reminder to be alert while working in the archives. You never know where the next gem will be found!
