THOMAS SAY (1787-1834)

Born into a prominent Quaker family of Philadelphia, Say was a self-taught naturalist. He was a founding member of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. He was appointed chief zoologist of Major Stephen Long's exploring expedition to the tributaries of the Missouri River in 1819 and again in 1823 for the expedition to the headwaters of the Mississippi.

Say's studies of North American insects brought him recognition from the learned societies of Europe. His American Entomology was an important work and remains a classic. It was published over an eleven-year period with volume 3 being completed in the utopian community of New Harmony, Indiana, of which he became a member in 1825. The stature of the American Entomology is increased by its 54 colored illustrations, all of which were executed by American artists.

Bequest of Melva B. Guthrie