Volume I : page 495
By Henry Muhlenberg, D.D. Minister at Lancaster, in Pennsylvania. Lancaster: Printed by William Hamilton, 1813.
QK110 .M8
First Edition. 8vo. 68 leaves.
Sabin 51248.
Bradley I, 306.
Pritzel 6503.
Bausman, page 55.
Half green morocco, gilt back, marbled end papers. Initialled by Jefferson at sig. I; a small insertion in ink on page 28.
The description of the plant Jeffersonia (so named by B. S. Barton, see no. 1061) occurs on page 40.
Jefferson’s copy was sent to him by the author, to whom he wrote on March 16, 1814: “ I thank you for your catalogue of North American plants. it is indeed very copious, and at the same time compendious in its form. I hardly know what you have left for your “Descriptio uberior.” the discoveries of Gov r. Lewis may perhaps furnish matter of value, if ever they can be brought forward. the mere journal of the voyage may be soon expected; but in what forwardness are the volumes of the botany, natural history, geography and meteorology of the journey I am uninformed. your pamphlet came during a long absence from home, and was mislaid, or this acknowledgement should have been sooner made. with my wishes for the continuance and success of your useful labors I embrace with pleasure this first occasion of assuring you that I have had long and much gratification in observing the distinguished part you have borne in making known to the literary world the treasures of our own country and I tender to you the sentiments of my high respect and esteem.
The original of Jefferson’s letter to Muhlenberg, March 16, 1814, is in the Huntington Library.
Henry Muhlenberg [Gotthilf Heinrich Ernst Muhlenberg], 1753-1815, Lutheran clergyman and botanist of Pennsylvania, was a member of several European learned societies. The Preface of this work, dated from Lancaster August 3, 1813, states that the catalogue was written in 1809, and that printing began in November 1812 and was finished the latter end of July 1813. The Preface contains a list of Books used for this Catalogue, and of Names of the author’s American Friends and Correspondents who have sent specimens or seeds.
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Volume I : page 495
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