The collection consists mostly of correspondence with some publications and ephemera. The correspondence reflects Zinn’s close relationship with his graduates with whom he stayed in touch through much of their careers. The economic history of the country and the employment opportunities for college graduates is demonstrated in Zinn’s recommendations and correspondence with graduate schools and chemical companies from the twenties to the post-war era. As head of the department and as a member of the pre-med committee, Zinn worked hard to place all of his ‘boys’ in good positions or graduate school programs. The collection also contains departmental correspondence, some business records and a few files on the building of Breidenbaugh Hall in ...