JOHN JOSSELYN (fl.1638-1675)

Josselyn's observations are based on a residence in New England in 1638-39 and 1663-71, and his work is among the earliest on the natural history of the region. An extensive and quite accurate catalog of the fauna and flora of the region makes up much of the text.

Little is known of Josselyn's background, but the evidence within An Account of Two Voyages and his earlier work New England Rarities (1672) indicates that he was well educated and may very well have been trained as a surgeon and physician. His observations on the state of medicine have been highly valued.