The papers of John Maurer date largely from 1950 to 1972 and consist predominantly of engineering drawings and calculations pertaining to optical equipment, especially 16mm and 8mm film projectors and printers and aerial cameras, including the Beseler Projection Lens, Octet printer, and galvanometers. Also included in this collection are Maurer's writings, unpublished essays, addresses and reports. There are also materials and drafts relating to a proposed chapter by Maurer on photomicrography for a McGraw-Hill handbook. There is some correspondence, relating to patents or engineering projects. There are also photographs of optical equipment and prototypes, test data for developing projects and aerial views. Lantern slides relating to Maurer's engineering work and for presentations are also included as well as trade catalogs from optical firms; newsclippings about Maurer, his products and his interests; and certificates (diplomas for his B.A., his honorary doctorate from Ohio State University, certificate of fellowship in the Society of Photographic Engineers, etc.).