Thomas Say is known as one of the first entomologists in the United States, a Quaker born in the late 18th century. Many credit him with founding the study of entomology, which Webster’s dictionary defines as “a branch of zoology that deals with insects”. Say wrote the first book to be published on insects, titled American Entomology, along with American Conchology, which follows the study of shells. Say took several trips out west to the Rocky Mountains, as well as Georgia, Florida, and along many American rivers to collect information on insects, shells, and their scientific features. He began these explorations as a zoologist, studying birds and mammals, but developed a particular interest in insects. Stephen H. Long accompanied Say on many of his expeditions. As a renowned explorer and engineer, he was able to aid Say in his explorations of the western United States. Say also worked with Robert Owen, a Socialist American who had formed his own society that Say lived in for eight years.
In between his explorations, he taught natural history at the University of Pennsylvania and founded the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. Today the Entomological Society of America presents Thomas Say Awards to individuals making breakthroughs in the research of insects.
Works Cited:
Scarab Workers World Directory. 19 January 2007
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Thomas Say is brought up briefly in "Theories of Rain". Lavinia is describing Mr. Wells in a letter to her brother, saying, "He comes, he goes, along with the others— botanists and geologists; a Frenchman named Rafinesque, fat about the waist, whose shirt escapes from his pantaloons and shows bare flesh as he lectures us; a shy and friendly entomologist named Thomas Say. They admire the aunts and their work and the way they have raised me" (Barrett 104). In the story, Say appears to be working with both Mr. Wells and other scientists from different fields of study. This signifies that Mr. Wells has some significant scientific distinction, to be working with well-known and highly praised scientists of the time. This may add to the strange attraction that Lavinia feels towards him, or she may be completely unaware of the prestige of the scientists he is working with.
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