Collection: Karl H. Norris Papers | National Agricultural Library

Content Description

The Karl H. Norris Papers consist of reports, correspondence, articles (originals and photocopies), reprints, and publications related to Norris's work with near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS).

Dates

Creation: 1948-2013
Creation: Majority of material found within 1980-1999

Conditions Governing Access

Contact Special Collections for access.

Biographical Sketch

Karl H. Norris (b. 1921) joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1949, eventually serving as research leader for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Instrumental Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland. He developed principles and instruments using the electromagnetic waves spectrum to make rapid, nondestructive measurements for evaluating the quality of agricultural products. Norris developed near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) as a method for measuring the protein, oil, and moisture content of grain. NIRS has been widely adopted in the worldwide grain marketing system. Norris was awarded the 1978 Alexander von Humboldt Award for outstanding achievement in agricultural research. He was inducted into the ARS Science Hall of Fame in 1989.