C. S. (Constantine Samuel) Rafinesque papers, 1815-1834 and undated
Physical Description:
1 notebook
Physical Location:
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Sublocation:
Box 1 Folder 3
Record type:
Fieldbook record
Object Type:
Field notes
Sketches
Maps
Itineraries
Place:
United States
Pennsylvania
District of Columbia
Kentucky
New York
Date Range:
1818
Start Date:
18181024
End Date:
1818
Abstract:
Rafinesque's descriptive specimen list of fish, shells, turtles, mammals, insects, plants, and fungi collected during a field trip in 1818. This item includes numerous detailed drawings of specimen collected, especially fish. Rafinesque often uses the abbreviation "NG," probably indicating what he thinks is a "new genus." Most of the text is in French, but identifications use the English common name and a taxonomic name, and some specimen entries are in English. Some illustrations of specimen include measurements. Also included are many hand drawn maps with location names and some topographical information. Although the original archival description suggests Rafinesque began the trip in Philadelphia, earlier entries in this notebook find him in New York, and perhaps farther north. Locations Rafinesque visited various locations in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, New York, and the District of Columbia. Some locations in Pennsylvania include but are not limited to Gettysburg, Bedford, Chambersburg, and Todd. This book is also referred to as "Notes N. 17."
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