Robert B. Ariail papers

Robert B. Ariail was an insurance agent who was an avid amateur astronomer. This collection contains items related to his interest in astronomy.

As an astronomer, one of Ariail’s primary endeavors was to purchase and restore antique telescopes. To this end he collected old telescope catalogs that would allow him to see how the telescopes first appeared. He also corresponded with many other amateur astronomers with whom he swapped photocopies of research material useful for learning restoration techniques and the histories of the objects he was restoring.

In his research, he came in contact with Deborah Jean Warner, a researcher with the Smithsonian, with whom he wrote a book on the Alvan Clark & Sons company. Ariail became renowned as an expert in Alvan Clark & Sons equipment. His knowledge of the company and their equipment allowed him to solve the fifteen-year-old theft of an Alvan Clark & Sons eyepiece.

This collection includes Ariail’s correspondence, research material, manuscripts, and catalogs used in the manners listed above.