30 



his electrical machine, which he invented and used in 

 his profession. 



As an author, considerable work stands to his credit. 

 Among his principal works was his "Flora Carolinien- 

 sis," published in 1806, in two volumes. This was the 

 most extensive work on the botany of the State pub- 

 lished up to that time. Shecut seems to have been a 

 very versatile man from the number of interests that 

 engaged his attention. Botany was a subject to which 

 he devoted a great deal of time. As evidencing his in- 

 terest in this subject the passages following are quoted 

 from his ''Medical and Philosophical Essays." 



After describing the establishment of the Medical So- 

 ciety in 1789, he says: ''The zeal for the promotion of 

 science was soon evidenced by the formation of three 

 auxiliary institutions: The Humane Society, the Char- 

 leston Dispensary for the Poor, and the Botanic Gar- 

 den. 

 ************ 



"The Botanic Society, which also emanated from the 

 Medical Society, was founded in 1805 and was incor- 

 porated in the same year." 



And quoting from Ramsay's History of South Caro- 

 lina, he further adds: "The Medical Society gave to it 

 three hundred dollars, fifty dollars per annum, and a 

 large lot of land, which had been generously given to 

 them by Mrs. Savage, now Mrs. Turpin, to be used as a 

 Botanic Garden. The inhabitants were invited to join 

 the Association, and on their annual payment of any 

 sum between four to ten dollars at their option, they 

 were entitled to privileges in proportion to their respec- 

 tive subscriptions, and became members of the Botanic 

 Society." 



"Notwithstanding all the advantages and delights 

 that this most pleasing and instructive science offered 

 to all the citizens * ♦ * Notwithstanding an annual 

 sum of $1,176 thus obtained from voluntary subscribers 

 * * * and although the garden was opened the 

 same year under the most favorable auspices and en- 



