SOMIMBTA UHIVERSIE
18 SE CITE OF Aa¥ TCEE
DEPARTMENT OF ATTHROPOLOGT
December 17, 1942
Be, Alvin dobneaon
Yew Scheel fer Secial Ressarch
66 Hest 12 Streat
Bey York, 3.7.
Dear Dr. dohasont
Dr, Pont Leser hes asked me for a statement in regard
te his serk. know perticularly hie werk on the plough, which
de very thorough and painstaking and has been the source of such
other reseerch work in similer lizes in Barope. Prom all I know
about bin I can recemiend bin most highly. I presume you have bis
bibliegraphy. Ig nob I will send you a copy whieh he left with me,
Yours very sincerely,
(signed)
Prange Boast
Beeember 17, 1942
By. Alvin dobnsen
Sew Sehgol for Social Ressarch
$6 West Leth Street
Hew York, 5.7,
Dear Dr, Johnsons
De, Path Leser has asked me for a staiemen’
4m regard to his work. E know perbloularly his work on
the plough, which is very thorough and palasteaking ami kas bees
the source of mich other rescareh work is similar lines in
Surepe. From all I know aboub him I can reeoumend him gost
highly, i presume gow have his bitlisgraphy. Ef not I wlll
stad you a copy whiem he left with me.
Yours very sincerely,
(Sigesé)
. Frans Boas
£8 8
_Avskrift.
Sedan Doktor Phil. Paul Leser hos undertecknad anhallit
om ett utlatande rérande hans person och vetenskapliga insatser,
far jag hirmed anféra fdljande. : :
Doktor Paul Leser, som i n4got mer dn tre 4r vistats i
Stockholm efter en utflyttning fran Tyskland, 4r mig sedan manga
ar tillbaka bekant som en utomordentligt framst&ende forskare
pa s&avil den allminna som den evropeiska etnologiens omrAden.
Genom framfdr allt sina framstaende och omfattande utredmingar
om plogens och en mangfald andra jordbruksredskaps kulturhistoria
intar Doktor Leser sedan manga ar ett rum bland de fraémsta forsk~
arna p& detta gebit, vilket inte minst framg4r av den higa varde- ¢!
ring och uppmaérksamhet, som agnats dessa hans arbeten liksom dven
hans recensiorier och inlagg i mera framstaende facktidskrifter i
olika delar av vérlden. Efter sin ankomst till Stockholm har —,
Doktor Leser varit sysselsatt med ing&ende vetenskapliga studier i
bl.e. rérande uppfostran hos olika folk, men har Hven genom
foreligningar och bidrag i fackpressen fullfdljt sin tidigare
verksamhet som vetenskaplig fdrfattare och akademisk lirare.
Jag har ocks& personligen haft foérmanen av hans medverkan vid re-
digeringen av tidskriften Folkliv, dar hans kritiska sans och
stringa krev p& exakthet och klarhet varit av stérsta varde,
sambidigt som det for honom sjilv medfort ett uppoffrande arbete
av ovanlig intensitet. Personligen har Doktor Leser under de Ar
han vistats i Sverige fort ett synnerligen tillbakadraget liv
och har alltid synts mig somjen: forebild av korrekthet och fér-
synthet. Det ftrefaller mig dirfir vara ett osedvanligt gott
forvarv, som vaért land gjort genom hans hitflyttning, och det skul-~
le smaérte mig mycket, om han skulle ldmna det. Det framar av
mina ord att jag forbehAllslist kan rekommendera honom, om han
skulle stka sig till ett annat land, bade som vetenskapsman och
som ménniska fr han fortjént av de hiégsta lovord.
Stockholm den 5 juli 1940
Sigurd Erixon
Professor
Translation:
(6OPT)
Dr. Peal Leser who went over here from Germany, has been in
Steckhele more than three years. Since many years he is known
to me as an exceptionally prominent scientist in the fields of
general and of Zuropean ethnology. He has become one of the
most important authorities in thie field, especially by his
remarkable and extensive research work on the development of
the plough and of a great momber of different farming imple-
ments. His scientific work is highly esteemed and has drawn
much attention, just as have his reviews all ever the world.
After he moved to Stockholm, he concentrated on extensive
scientific research work, for instance, about education with
different peoples. Furthermore, he contisued his former
activities as a scientific author and a university professor
by giving lectures and by publications in professional jour-
nale. I myself had the privilege of having him as a co-editor
of the journal *"Folkliv®. His subtle precision of mind and
Bis strict demand fer exactness and lucidity were ef greatest
value fer the improvement ef the Journal, whereas this work
meant for him much strain and personal devetion. As to his
personal habits during his sejourn in Sweden, he lived in
strict seclusion and I esteemed him as a model ef correctness
and medesty. Therefore I feel his moving inte our eoantry to
be an unusual advantage for us and I would deeply regret if he
should decide to leave. You may gather from my words that, in
@ase he should move into another country, I would recommend him
unconditionally. His seientifie end personal standard is of
the highest. i
Stockholm, daly 5, 1940
signed:
Sigurd Brizen ©
Prefessor
As Dr. Paul Leser has requested the undersigned te meke
@ statement regarding his person and his scientifie aetivities
I herewith wish to state the following: /
Dr. Paul Leser, who for more than three years has
resided in Stockholm after his leaving Germany, hes been
known to me for many years as @ very outstanding scientist
in the £7274 field of general as well as european ethnology.
Due to his cutstending and comprehensive researches on the
plough and many other agrieultural implements, Dr. Leser
has sinee many years held @ prominent place among the leading
men in this field, which is proved by the esteem and attention
given to his studies as well as to his diseussions and
contributions in the more prominent jotrnals in the verious
parts ef the world.
Sinee his arrivel in Stoekhelm, Dr. Leser has devoted
his time to intensive studies among cthers concerning the
education among various peoples, but he has at the same
time continued his former activities as a seientific writer
and academie teacher by contributing to varicus journals and
giving lectures.
I have alsc personably had the advantage of his ecocpere
-ation in ecnnecting with the editing of the magazine Folke
Livy, where his eritieal sense and his insistence on
scientific exectness have been of the greatest value; also
this required unremitting and sacrifieing work of unususl
intensify on Ris part.
Personally, Dr. Leser has lived a most secluded life
during his residenee in Sweden and always seemed to me @
model of eorectness and modesty. I have therefore siways
eonsidered it an unusually good acquisition that our country
¥dé made through his moving toe Sweden and it wood be a great
sorrow to me were he to leave us again. It is quite obvicus
from my sbove remarks that I ean unreservedly recommend him
were he to go to some other country; voth as a seientist dAd
as well as a man he deserves the highest praise.
‘
REFERENCES
Dr. Sigurd Erixon, Professor of Ethnology, The University
of Stockholm, Sweden July 5, 1940
"ee Dr. Paul Leser has been known to me for many years
as an exceptionally prominent scholar in the fields of
Anthropology and European Ethnology. His extensive
studies on the cultural history of the plow and many
other agricultural implements are consider ed outstanding
and have assured him of a prominent place among tho
leading authorities. Even the reviews and shorter
articles which he published in the anthropological
periodicals of many countries enjoy the same admiration
and attention paid to his larger publications.
“sinee his arrival in Stockholm, Dr. Leser has continued
his previous activities as a university professor and
as a student by dolivering his courses and by publishing
articlos inthe periodicals of our ficld. Much of his
time was devoted to his research work concerning child
rearing among different racese
"tr personally enjoyed the privilege of his assistance
in his capacity as co-editor of the Journal Folk-Liv.
He showed untiring energy inthis work. His critical
mind and his uncompromising demand for scientific
exactness were of the greatest value for the improvement
of the journal.
"pp, Leser always impressed me as a model of correctness
and modesty. JI wish to state that I can recommend him
in every respect. His scientific as well as his personal
standards are of the highest."
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
CSNTRAL PARK WEST at 7OTH STREET
weW YORK, BT.
DEPAREMENT OF ASTEROPOLOGT
Bee, 7, 1942
Go Whos Ib day Concern
i ave known Dr, Paul Leser of Francfors for acprotimately fifteen
years. I have read the mere mpertent of Ais backs and articles and have
frequently had the epportunity of dHecussing with hin various subjects in
the fislde of anthropology and qultutel histoty, I highly esteas bis
scholarly abiidties as well as his chatacters, The combination of meticulous
aeearacy in stall and wide general outlook whidh characterizes his vork
deverves special neation,
z inim ereaf pleasure in re¢ommonding Dr. Leser for any task of
teaching oF research pertaining to his cela.
om tga)
Goa daek Raho HelnesGeldern
rr
OLIVET COLLEGE
OLIVET, MICHIGAN
THE SCHOOL OF NAT AL
AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES
May 21, 1949
To Whom It May Concern:
Dr, Paul Leser and I have been colleagues on the Olivet College
faculty. Because of the interrelationship of our fields (Anthro-
pology and Biology) we have on several occasions in the past
coordinated our teaching, I, therefore, have had ample oppor-
tunity to observe Dr, Leser's teaching qualifications and his
relations with the students,
He is,without reservation,the most astute anthropologist I have
met. Dr, Leser abounds with an energy which is reflected in his
teaching and which serves to infect the students. He is extremely
well liked by the students, and this popularity is attested to by
the unusually large enroliment in his courses, In his Physical
Anthropology course, it was necessary to teach geneties, and I had
the pleasure to observe Dr. Leser's work in this particular task,
It was amazing to see the amount of diffieult, advanced genetical
material which he was able to present and have understood by a
group of students with no vrevious background in biology.
in reference to the use of facilities, Dr, Leser has exhibited an
unusual capacity of initiative and personal resourcefulmess, When
he arrived at Olivet College, there were no books in the library
on Anthropology, Fortunately, Dr. Leser has an extensive collection
of valuable slides and a very excellent personal library of several
thousand volumes, which were made available to the students, In the
eourse of a few years, Dr. Leser has built the Anthropology section
oF the citret College Library until today it is one of the finest in
the state.
Dr, Leser's academic training is of the highest calibre and his
service as professor in European universities has added invaluable
experience to his background, His relation with the faculty, both
on an official as well as a social level, has been a most happy
and pleasing association, He is extremely active in his field and
is in constant touch with new developments through extensive per-
usal of current literature and vy attending various conventions,
I do not, in the least, hesitate to recommend Dr, Leser for the
position which you have in mind, His addition to the faculty will
be a valuable-asset to the school, and to the student body.
Very truly yours, .
Lawnenes Cerwin
Lawrences Herman
Professor of Biology
IH:pt
Hew York 30, 8, Fe
sane 29, 1989
Albert Teachers
535 Fifth aveme
Rew Fork, Ne Ye
Gentlemens
De, fasl Leser and I bave been colleagues on the Olivet Gcllege
feenlty. Secause of the interrelationship of am fields
He isy without réservation, the mest astute anthropologist I have
Bebe (Dre laser aboais With am energy wich is safleciad ia Eis
and which serves to infect the students, He is extrencly
the pleasure te cbsexve Dr. Leser's work im this particular task.
Tt was amazing to. see the amunt of Gifficult, advanced genetical
waherial ahich he was able to present and have uaderstoad by a
group of students sith as grevicus backgroud im biclogrs
Ja reference to the use of facilities, Dry Leser has exhibited an
wmisnial eapacity af initiative aml personal resourcefulness. When
be arrived ab Ohivet College, there were uo bocks in the Library
on Anthzopolosys Fortumtely, Dr. Leser has at extensive collection
thonsend wi
gourse of a’ fox years, Dr. Leser bas built the Authropclogy section
of the Olivet Glicge Library until teday it is one of the Rinest in
the states
Vite Tithe ed ies, Licata 40 0 Re RN ame em Hie
eee ee ee ee ee
experience io hie background. Be se ee ee er chee
on an official as well as a social level wes a most
Pleusing association. ' Boo extremly astive in bis Held amt
is in constant torch with ney develoguenis through extensive par
usal of current Literature and gr attending various conventions,
I do net, in the least, hesitate to reccamend Dr. Leser bighiy.
The LIBRARY COMMITTEE will meet on Thursday,
at 4 P.M..in the Library.
Peul We. Leser, Che
The President
The Dean
Mr. G. Hanson -
Mrs. L. Hanson
Miss F, Sanford
Miss 6. Cater,
Mr. L. Herman
Mr. H. Hyde
Mr. G. Mabee
OLIVET COLLEGE
OLIVET, MICHIGAN
THE SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS
fo Whom It May Concern:
Dr. Faul W. Leser has been a colleague of
mine in the past two years. Under the Unified
Study Flan of the College I have had the vrivilese
of working in close collaboration with him, there-
by having first hand observation of his work as a
teacher.and a scientist. «and I have seen the
results of his teaching on the students’ outlook
towards world
tomrds anthropological yprobl
that it has shown Ir. L
and a sc
problems ané their scientific approach
ms, ano I dare say,
to be a splendid teacher
itist of uncuestionable integrity, to which
- the high order of his r
blications will attest.
all that he has the gift of teins an excellent
lecturer. I am proud to recommend him.
Ti
Milton Horn”
Srtist-i
ery truly yours,
-Residence and
Erofessor of art
iota seins ee
franslations
Public Musou of Ethnography Stockholm, June 26th, 1940
Professor Dr. Gerhard Liadblox
Directer
The undersigned confirms hereby thet Dr. Paul Leser ia an
internationally well know: etimelogisi. We is well experienced
as lecturer and orefessor and a very good pedagogue who gives
important and interesting lectures and seminaries, Se bes aa
agreeable personality of high moral standard.
Ib might be worth mentioning additionsliy that he is exe
tremely well adjustable to new circumstances. During bis chart
sojourn in Sxeden he not only memaged te read Guedish fluentiy
bab alse te speak the language fluentiy and with very goed
prommeiation. herefore it is real glensare for me te recom
mend him es selentist ag well ac with regard to bis cergsonslity.
I heve no doubt that bis appointment te 4 university er a college
would prove a decisive gain for these institubiens.
Stockholm, June 28th, 1040
signed:
Gerhard Lintbles
Directer of the Ethnographic Huscus of Suedens
RUBEL ASIATIC RESEARCH BUREAU, FOGG MUSEUM OF ART
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS
December 8th, 1942.
I have known Dr. Paul Leser for many years although
there have been long periods of time between our meetings.
I consider him one of the most capable contemporary ethnologist
in every respect. Thoroughly trained at schools and universities
in Furepe in the field of ethnology he was able to epecteiece
without bias and the proof of this lies in his book, which was
published in 1931 as vol. TII of the "Ethnologische Bibliothek
des Anthropos*. Its title is “Entstehung und Verbreitung des
Pfluges™ (The.Origin of the Plough and the Spread of its Use).
There are 700 pages full of important, illustrated material,
and for a long time this book will remain the best standard work
in this branch of the history of culture.
Besides theoretical knowledge he acquired practical
skill in musewn technique as well as teaching ability through his
long stey in German and Swedish institutions.
Mey I add that Dr. Leser'’s character is absolutely
reliable; and that his personality is most pleasant.
Dr. Lucian Scherman
Hansom, Mass.
PEIPING UNION MEDICAL COLLEGE
PEKING, CHINA
CENOZOIC RESEARCH LABORATORY December 2, 1942
fo Whom It Mey Conceras
I have known Dr. Paul Leser for many years, almost ever since he has been associated
with the Ethnological Museum et Frankfort—-on-Main. Although the field of my own interests
was of quite a different kind, I came in clese scientific connection with him in my cepa-
city as President of the Frankfort Society of Anthropology, Ethnology and Prehistory. As
such, I had dlso the opportunity to form a judgment on Doctor Leser's special abilities
as teacher, lecturer and debater.
Doctor Leser's high qualifications as ethnologist became manifest above all in his
standard work on the "Development and distribution of the plough". This book has been
welcomed by experts all over the world as epoch-meking in the field of the history of
agricultural technique from the viewpoint of history of civilization and comparative
ethnology. Doetor Leser's thoroughness in the collection of material, his familiarity
with the methods of research related to the history of civilization, the reliability of
his judgment and, last but not least, the significance ef the results obtained, are. par-
ticularly praised by the critics. By this and ether studies Doctor Leser acquired a
world-wide reputation as an authority in the special field of the history of agricultural
implenents in general.
Regarding Doctor Leser's abilities as teacher and lecturer, I am able to attest
that he is a very clever and versatile speaker and debater, who kmows how to elucidate
difficult scientifie problems in a manner intelligible also te the popular mind.
or Peano Wfacdenrae —
Dr. Franz Weidenreich
Director, Cenozoic Research Laboratory,
Peiping Union Medical College,
and National Geological Survey
of China
American Museum of Natural History .
Central Park West at Seventy—ninth Street De
New York City
Low Memoziar Lisrary
Corumeta University
i
Po CHINESE HISTORY PROJECT
New Yor« Crry
|
SPONSORS Tel. UNiversrrr 4-3200, Exr, 593
AMERICAN COUNGIL OF THE
INSTITUTE OF PACIFIC RELATIONS:
New York City
INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF December 2, 42.
New York City
DIRECTOR
KARL AUGUST WITTFOGEL
ADVISORY COMMITTEE,
Homer H. Duss
‘University
L. CARRINGTON GoopRIcH
lumbia University
dems, B, Wane To Whom It May Concern.
R. H. TAWNEY, owe een nn nn nee
of Economies
x I have followed Professor Paul Leser's scientific
career since the time when the appearence of the "Pflug"
directed the attention of European anthrepology to its
brilliant author. With this unique study Professor Leser
at once stepped into the front-ranks of his science.
My own experience in the field of oriental and comparative
anthropology verified both the importance of his method
and the value of his conclusions. This country is to be
congratulated for having aequired the services of so
excellent a scholar, who certainly will make a great
contribution to American research work and teaching.
Sincerely,
ut KL wrefege
Karl A. Wittfogel
Director
Chinese History Project
BOW KEMCAIAE LIBRASE
QORUNELA URIVERSITE
Hew YORE CIey
Dadeber 2, 42
3s Mom Tt ey Consens
I hewe folloved Professor Faulk Leser's scientific career
since the time when the appearance of the "Piing* directed the
attention of Sarepesn to ite brillient author. th
this Peovesser Lossy at ones stepped inte the fromi-reske
of kis saienote My ow experience iu the field of oriental and
compare! verified both the of his method
for having acquived the services of so excelicnt = scholar, who com
iuty effi acky e grest conteibaticn to Snsviean research work and
Sinterely,
(wigned)
