Economics professor Thomas Nixon Carver was assisted by Lucius Moody Bristol whose Ph.D. thesis Social Adaptation: A Study in the Development of the Doctrine of Adaptation as a Theory of Social Progress (1913) was awarded the David A. Wells Prize for 1914-15 and published by Harvard University Press in 1915.
Lucius Moody Bristol was born in Castle Creek, New York, May 21, 1872. He studied at Wesleyan University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Boston University School of Theology, and Harvard University. At Harvard he studied under Thomas Nixon Carver. His dissertation, Social Adaptation (published in 1915) was, in part, a critique of Carver’s views on Social Darwinism.
Bristol taught at Tufts College, Brown University, and the University of West Virginia and was active in social welfare work. In 1920, he came to the University of Florida to head the Department of Sociology and Economics. In 1926, after the creation of the College of Commerce and Journalism, the department was reorganized as the Department of Sociology. He served as head of the department until his full retirement in 1945. He was a charter member and first vice-president of the Southern Sociological Association.
During his years in Florida, Bristol was active in various social and health programs including the Tuberculosis and Health Association, State Conference of Social Work, and the Florida chapter of the National Society for Crippled Children and Adults [now known as the Easterseals]. He died May 9, 1953.
Source: Lucius Moody Bristol Papers, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
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Carver lists sixteen items in his chapter on sociology in A guide to reading in social ethics and allied subjects (1910), by Francis G. Peabody et al.
In 1905 Carver published a book of 35 readings:Sociology and Social Progress: A Handbook for Students of Sociology.
Note: For the academic year 1911-12 I have been unable to find a mid-year examination for Carver’s Principles of Sociology course.
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Sociology exams from earlier years.
1892-93 (taught by E. Cummings)
1893-94 (taught by E. Cummings)
1894-95 (taught by E. Cummings)
1895-96 (taught by E. Cummings)
1896-97 (taught by E. Cummings)
1897-98 (taught by E. Cummings)
1898-99 (taught by E. Cummings)
1899-1900 (taught by E. Cummings)
1901-02 (taught by T. N. Carver)
1902-03 (taught by T. N. Carver and W. Z. Ripley)
1903-04 (taught by T. N. Carver)
1904-05 (taught by T. N. Carver and J. A. Field) Includes the reading list for the course and additional biographical information.
1905-06 (taught by T. N. Carver)
1906-07 (taught by J. A. Field)
1907-08 (taught by T. N. Carver)
1908-09 (taught by T. N. Carver and C. W. Thompson)
1909-10 (taught by T. N. Carver and J. S. Davis)
1910-11 (taught by T. N. Carver and L. M. Bristol)
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Course Announcement and Description
1911-12
Economics 3. Principles of Sociology.—Theories of Social Progress. Mon., Wed., and (at the pleasure of the instructor) Fri., at 1.30. Professor Carver, assisted by ——.
An analytical study of social life and of the factors and forces which hold society together and give it an orderly development. The leading social institutions will also be studied with a view to finding out their relation to social well-being and progress.
Spencer’s Principles of Sociology and Carver’s Sociology and Social Progress will be read in full. Students are expected to take part in the discussion of the books read and of the lectures delivered.
Course 3 is open only to students who have passed in Economics 1.
Source: Division of History, Government, and Economics: 1911-12 (1st ed.). Official Register of Harvard University, Vol. VIII, No. 23 (June 15, 1911), p. 68.
Course Enrollment
1911-12
Economics 3. Professor Carver, assisted by Mr. [Lucius Moody] Bristol — Principles of Sociology. Theories of Social Progress.
Total 90: 13 Graduates, 24 Seniors, 35 Juniors, 8 Sophomores, 2 Freshmen, 8 Others.
Source: Harvard University. Report of the President of Harvard College, 1911-1912, p. 65.
ECONOMICS 3
Year-end Examination, 1911-12
- What is meant by the balance of nature? Give illustrations.
- Who are the leading modern writers in the field of eugenics? Describe the contribution to the theory made by one of these writers.
- Discuss the question: Is marriage a device for controlling the birth rate?
- What is the relation of the institution of private property to the storing of social energy?
- Discuss the question: Is morality a factor in man’s struggle for existence?
- Summarize Nordau’s views as to the symptoms and causes of degeneration.
- Discuss the question: Is democracy possible without the ballot?
- Why does the status of women improve with the transition from the militant to the industrial type of society?
- Which do you consider more important in social progress, imitation or struggle and survival? Give reasons for your answer.
- How is recent German history used by Spencer to illustrate certain laws of social evolution?
Source: Harvard University Archives. Harvard University — Examination papers, 1873-1915. Box 6. Bound volume, Examination Papers, 1912. Harvard University Examinations. Papers Set For Examinations in History, History of Science, Government, Economics […], pp. 47-48.