Papers of Eleanor A. Ormerod (1828-1901)

The papers are composed of letters mainly to C. D. Vine about pest control, 1889-1901. There is also a letter to Principal Sir W. Muir accompanying the gift of her father's sketches to the University, 20 June 1900.

The entomologist Eleanor Anne Ormerod was born at Sedbury, Glocestershire, in 1828. She was the third daughter of the antiquary and historian George Ormerod (1785-1873), and sister of the geologist George Wareing Ormerod (1810-1891). She was educated at home and she devoted her life to the study of entomology. Ormerod chiefly investigated methods for the prevention of the ravages of insects harmful to plant life. She was a consultant entomologist to the Royal Agricultural Society, and she served as an Additional Examiner in Agricultural Entomology at Edinburgh University. Her publications include Report of observations of attack of turnip fly in 1881 (1882), Manual of injurious insects with methods of prevention and remedy for their attacks to food crops, forest trees and fruit: to which is appended a short introduction to entomology (1890), Paris-green (or Emerald-green): its uses, and methods for its application, as a means of destruction of orchard moth caterpillars (1891), Handbook of insects injurious to orchards and bush fruits with means of prevention and remedy (1898), and Flies injurious to stock : being life-histories and means of prevention of a few kinds commonly injurious, with special observations on ox warble or bot fly (1900). Ormerod was the first woman to have an honorary degree conferred by Edinburgh University. She received the University's honorary Doctorate of Laws in 1900. Eleanor A. Ormerod died on 19 July 1901.

Generally open for consultation to bona fide researchers, but please contact repository for details in advance.

The biographical/administrative history was compiled using the following material: (1) Rice, D. Talbot (compiler) The university portraits. pp.165-167. Edinburgh: The University Press, 1957. (2) Who was who. London: A. and C. Black, 1920.

Compiled by Graeme D Eddie, Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections Division.

Important finding aids generally are: the alphabetical Index to Manuscripts held at Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections and Archives, consisting of typed slips in sheaf binders and to which additions were made until 1987; and the Index to Accessions Since 1987.

Check the local Indexes for details of any additions.

The UK National Register of Archives (NRA), updated by the Historical Manuscripts Commission, notes: correspondence with FS Crawford, Oxford University Museum of Natural History, NRA 42507 Oxford, also there are, letters to J.O. Westwood, NRA 42507 Oxford, and, miscellaneous correspondence, 1885-1899, NRA 42507 Oxford; letters to her brother G.W.Ormerod, Oxford University, Bodleian Library, Special Collections and Western Manuscripts, Ref. MS Eng lett d 220; and, letters (2 bundles) to W. Parlour and J. Willis, 1885-1889, Rothamsted Experimental Station Library, Ref. C.60.7, Q.188.7, NRA 30207 Rothamsted Station.