Memoirs of Dr Neville Mowbray Potter, chemist and geologist (1909-2004), and a copy of his book 'Environment: the Truth'; 2002-2004

The collection comprises:

'Memoirs of Neville Mowbray Potter PhD, MSc, 1909-2004', dictated by Neville Potter and edited by Jean Potter. The memoirs cover Potter's working life, and his impressions of management and environmental issues, with particular regard to his time at the National Coal Board (MS 750/1);

'Environment: The Truth', by Neville Mowbray Potter (Wollaton: Neville Mowbray Potter, 2002). Pamphlet refuting the theory that carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere is increasing and causing global warming. The pamphlet also refers extensively to the Vale of Belvoir mining proposals in the 1970s (MS 750/2)

Neville Mowbray Potter (1909-2004) was educated at High Pavement Grammar School in Nottingham. He began his career as a junior government analyst surveying the coal seams of the East Midlands. He received an honours degree in Chemistry from the University of London through a correspondence course. From 1937 to 1940 he worked on a survey of air pollution in Leicester. This research led to an award of MSc. In 1940 Potter took up a research post in the Mining Department of the University of Sheffield, studying high pressure control of mining dust clouds. He received his Doctorate from the University of London at the end of this three year post. In 1943, he was appointed as the chief chemist for the Butterley Company. On the nationalization of the coal industry and the formation of the National Coal Board in 1947, Potter was appointed as Chief Scientist for all the 47 collieries in the East Midlands. He had a particular interest in coking plants and spent some years working in London for the Coal Products Division of the NCB. Potter spent one year seconded as President of the Institute of Fuel. He left the coal industry in the early 1970s and for five years worked as a consultant for Blue Circle Cement.

No archival arrangement has been necessary.

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Reprographic copies can be supplied for educational and private study purposes only, depending on access status and the condition of the documents.

The collection was acquired by Manuscripts and Special Collections at the University of Nottingham in 2004.

University of Nottingham, Manuscripts and Special Collections: Papers relating to the Vale of Belvoir Coalfield Inquiry (Ref: MS 643)