Smell Brain
[J:547]
Scope and Contents
Smell Brain
is a long story written on September 13, 1973 and subsequently retitled The Health Officer
and published by the Coach House Press, Toronto Canada, 1974, in The Short Story So Far pp. 166-170.
This file consists of:
- 7pp. typed first draft of the manuscript, with numerous corrections and alterations to the text in the author's hand, on nearly every page. Signed by Burroughs on first leaf.
- 9pp. typed, revised second draft with many holograph changes to the MS in Burroughs hand throughout. Burroughs has written
2nd draft
at the top of the first leaf, and has made alterations to nearly every sentence of the first couple of pages of MS. Text of this version radically differs from the first draft, although Burroughs states in the first draft that the text was virtually dictated to him from a dream. - Envelope containing over 30 cut ups from carbons of the first and second drafts, with note in Burroughs' hand on envelope:
Cut ups
Smell Brain
. - 2pp. holograph night dream notes for September 12th and 13th 1973 relating dreams which led up to
Smell Brain Story
. - 9pp. typed dream notes, expanded and fictionalized versions of the holograph night dream notes for the two nights preceding composition of
Smell Brain
. This really constitutes the actual first working draft of the story. Corrections in Burroughs' hand on about half the pages.
Together about 4000 words. First drafts unpublished, second draft published under the title given above, in very slightly different form. Preserved in the original light blue folder with note in Burroughs' hand on front cover in pencil: Smell Brain
first drafts and cut ups.
Dates
- Creation: 1938-1997
- Creation: Majority of material found within 1959-1978
Language of Materials
Material in English
Access Restrictions
Manuscript materials in this collection are extremely fragile and subject to damage with use. Therefore, access will be restricted for use by scholars providing need to use them.
Those wishing to use these materials will be asked to observe the following regulations:
1. Obtain a letter of introduction from a faculty member or scholar who will vouch that you are engaged in serious research requiring use of this collection.
OR
Have a letter or signed contract from a publisher verifying that you are writing a work for publication that requires research based upon these manuscript materials.
2. Provide a copy of your documentation for departmental files.
3. You will be asked to meet with the Head of Archives and Special Collections or his Assistant to discuss your research project and to determine what materials you will need.
4. You will be restricted to using only ONE FILE FOLDER at a time. It is imperative that you observe and retain the same order of materials within the file folder as when you received it.
5. File folders will be collated as they are returned to the collection before a new one will be issued.
6. Failure to comply with these rules will result in loss of privileges to use the collection.
To view this collection, make an appointment at least five business days prior to your visit by contacting Ask an Archivist or calling (480) 965-4932. Appointments in the Wurzburger Reading Room at Hayden Library (rm. 138) on the Tempe campus are available Monday through Friday. Check the ASU Library Hours page for current availability.
Full extent
From the collection: 25 Box(es)
Full extent
From the collection: 12 Linear Feet
- Box: 1, Item: 8 (Mixed Materials)
Repository details
Part of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Repository
Contact
Arizona State UniversityP.O. Box 871006
Tempe AZ 85287-1006 United States
(480) 965-4932
archives@asu.edu