Our Lady of Guadalupe : contemporary explorations of personal and cultural identity

Since it first appeared, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe has remained relatively unchanged. In the last thirty-five years, however, this has been changing. Artists are creating new variations of the icon to represent and express their reinterpretations. In some of these more contemporary images, the figure of Guadalupe has changed dramatically, but still retains enough traditional elements to be easily recognizable. Some of these images have been received with mixed results and have even sparked major controversy. These new, and sometimes controversial depictions of Guadalupe, specifically those created by Ester Hernández, Yolanda M. López and Alma López, will be explored here. Although each artist has her own individual motivations and intentions, all of the images presented here explore personal and cultural identity, as well as seek in some way to honor ordinary, human women through the sacred iconography of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Evolution of alkaloid biosynthesis in the genus Narcissus

In an attempt to reveal the relationships between alkaloid biosynthesis and phylogeny, we investigated by GC–MS the alkaloid patterns of 22 species and 3 hybrids (from 45 locations) from seven main sections of the genus Narcissus (Amaryllidaceae). The results indicate that the first alkaloids to evolve in the genus Narcissus were of the lycorine- and homolycorine-type. The alkaloid pattern of the Nevadensis section supports its recent separation from the Pseudonarcissus section. The plants of Narcissus pallidulus (Ganymedes section) show a predominance of Sceletium-type compounds, which are quite rare in the Amaryllidaceae family. Two successful evolutionary strategies involving alkaloid biosynthesis and leading to an expansion in taxa and occupied area were determined. Firstly, a diversification of alkaloid patterns and a high alkaloid concentration in the organs of the large Narcissus species (in the Pseudonarcissus section) resulted in an improved chemical defence in diverse habitats. Secondly, both plant size and alkaloid biosynthesis were reduced (in the Bulbocodium and Apodanthi sections) relegated to dry pastures and rocky places.

Catharine Waugh McCullouch papers in the Mary Earhart Dillon collection, 1869-1945

Collection primarily documents McCulloch's research on women's legal status, and her work with the Illinois Equal Suffrage Association, the National American Woman Suffrage Association, and the League of Women Voters. There is also documentation of women in the legal profession, of McCulloch's friendships with the other women suffragists and lawyers, and some biographical material. The papers contain little information about her family or social life.

Penmanship specimens, 1786-1787

This folder contains two penmanship specimens dated 1786 and 1787.

Certificate of the Selectmen of Boston, 1787 August 22

Two handwritten copies of a document certifying Croswell's employment as an usher in the Boston South Public Grammar School.

Recommendation of William Croswell, 1787 November

This folder contains two handwritten documents recommending Croswell as an instructor of literature, languages, and mathematics.

Accounts with Benjamin Huntington, 1785-1787

This folder contains two handwritten copies of the accounts between Reverend Andrew Croswell of Boston, and Croswell's executor William Croswell, and Benjamin Huntington, for money collected from Col. Gallup between 1785 and 1787.

Financial bills and receipts, 1787-1793

This folder contains four receipts.

Payment order for Ebenezer Thayer, 1787 July 1

Handwritten order to John Sale to pay scholarship funds to Ebenezer Thayer for use by his son, signed by Charles Chauncey, John Clarke, James Thwing, and Jacob Williams.

Quarter bill book for the Classes of 1770-1787, 1770-1789

Leather hardcover bound volume containing quarter bill tallies for the Classes of 1770-1787 arranged alphabetically and covering the bill period ending on March 9, 1770 through the period ending February 27, 1784. After each quarter's tallies, an additional section provides the totals for all students in each of the categories.

Quarter bills for Nathaniel Thayer signed by Steward Caleb Gannett, 1787-1789

Four printed quarter bills for Nathaniel Thayer (Harvard AB 1789) with sizing and punishment totals, signed by Steward Caleb Gannett.

[Form of Admission of Ephraim Morton (Harvard AB 1787)], 1784 March 15

Printed certificate of admission for undergraduate Ephraim Morton signed by President Joseph Willard. Includes a handwritten emendation to the text made by President Willard on February 17, 1784.

[Form of Admission of Ichabod Tucker (Harvard AB 1791)], 1787 August 16-17

Printed certificate of admission for undergraduate Ichabod Tucker certified by Steward Caleb Gannett on August 16, 1787 and signed by President Joseph Willard on August 17, 1787.