viii Preface. 



of Rafinesque, which forms the frontispiece in the 

 &quot;Analyse de la Nature,&quot; and which subserves the same 

 purpose in this volume. To all these gentlemen and 

 other helpers most cordial thanks are extended. 



Several important items connected with rare books 

 were searched for and given me by Mr. Sidney M. Ballon, 

 of Harvard University, for which grateful acknowledg 

 ment is tendered. The portrait of Rafinesque, from the 

 Wisconsin Historical Society, was permitted presenta 

 tion through the generous courtesy of Honorable R. G. 

 Thwaites, the Secretary. To our publishers especial 

 acknowledgments are due for the pains taken to secure 

 perfection in the sumptuous form of publication adopted. 

 Their work needs no commendation. 



To the naturalists of America this brochure is sub 

 mitted in the hope that it will at least aid in placing 

 its remarkable subject in his proper place in the histoi^ 

 of natural science in this country. Whether all will 

 acquiesce in the conclusions reached is really a matter 

 of very small moment. If there shall result an intelli 

 gent estimate, favorable or otherwise, of the writings 

 and botanical or other scientific work of Rafinesque; if 

 those who have known him only through misinformation 

 furnished by contemporaries, who, in all cases, were not 

 wholly disinterested investigators, shall now have oppor- 



