Lewis And Clark Herbarium Of The Academy Of Natural Sciences Part 1 History Notulae Naturae Of The Acad Of Natural Sciences Of Phila No 475

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia is home to more than 200 priceless specimens of plants collected by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their historic journey from 1803-1806 through what would become the western part of the United States. The dried and pressed plants housed in the Academy are virtually all that remains of the physical specimens brought back by the two explorers. These plants are historic treasures from an age in exploration and national growth that dramatically changed the United States. But they are more than museum pieces--the specimens are also scientific treasures to modern researchers studying the flora of North America. History of the Lewis & Clark Expedition The Plants in the Collection The Importance of the Collection.

This landmark volume contains the most complete listing and presentation of the plant specimens collected by the Lewis and Clark expedition. All but one of the plants were collected by Meriwether Lewis, the expedition?s botanist. The collection, how-ever, was nearly lost over the years when it was scattered among various botanists who intended to catalog the expedition?s scientific discoveries. Fortunately, for many years the specimens have been in the care of major institutions, principally the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. The 239 extant items are brought together in one book for the first time. This indispensable volume will assist researchers and enthusiasts hoping to identify each plant?s date and place of collection and other information such as plant habitat and ethnobotanical use.