Scope and Contents

Papers, letters, documents and memoranda of historical interest. Botanical Section, Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Book started January 22, 1901, by John W. Harshberger, Ph.D., Recorder. More than half of the items consist of program or meeting announcements of the many local botanical groups.

Gift of the Section.

Overview Charles Eastwick Smith (1820-1900) was an engineer and inventor involved in railroad, ironworks and steel. His interest in botany led him to membership at the Academy of Natural Sciences where he held several positions from 1851 until his death. Over the years Smith compiled an herbarium of specimens found within 15 miles of Philadelphia, which he bequeathed to the Academy. The collection contains letters from botanists, a number of booksellers, and other correspondents. In addition to the...