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Cover of Catalogue of Economic Plants in the Collection of the U. S. Department of Agriculture

Catalogue of Economic Plants in the Collection of the U. S. Department of Agriculture

Written by William Saunders

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BotanyAgricultureBotany, EconomicPlants, UsefulUnited States. Dept. of Agriculture

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About this book

"Catalogue of Economic Plants in the Collection of the U. S. Department of Agriculture" by William Saunders is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work serves as a descriptive list of various important economic plants gathered by the United States Department of Agriculture. Each plant is detailed with information regarding its origin, uses, and economic significance, reflecting the agricultural and botanical knowledge of the time. The opening of this catalogue begins with an introduction from William Saunders, who prepared the list on the directive of the Secretary of Agriculture, J. M. Rusk. This portion outlines the purpose of the publication, emphasizing its utility for visitors and researchers interested in the Department's work. As it moves into the detailed catalogue, it systematically lists various plants along with their descriptions, including native locations, applications in cooking, medicine, and other practical uses, thereby showcasing the diverse and valuable contributions of these plants to society and economy.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Catalogue of Economic Plants in the Collection of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 20 hours
  • advanced
  • informative
  • systematic
  • historical

William Saunders' "Catalogue of Economic Plants in the Collection of the U. S. Department of Agriculture" is a late 19th-century scientific publication commissioned by Secretary J. M. Rusk. It meticulously lists and describes a vast array of economic plants held by the USDA, detailing their origins, uses, and significance. The work serves as a vital reference for researchers and the public, reflecting the period's agricultural and botanical knowledge. Through systematic entries, it highlights the diverse contributions of these plants to society, from food and medicine to industrial applications, underscoring the Department's role in advancing agricultural science and national economy.

“"The object of this catalogue is to aid visitors to the Department in understanding the nature and uses of the plants cultivated in the experimental grounds and conservatories."”

Key themes

Scientific Classification and Observation
The entire catalogue is a testament to the scientific method of the late 19th century, focusing on systematic organization, precise description, and empirical observation. Each plant entry is a detailed classification, reflecting the era's drive to categorize and understand the natural world. This theme underscores the foundational importance of botany and scientific rigor in agricultural advancement.
Economic Utility and National Development
A core theme is the practical application and economic value of plants. The catalogue explicitly details how each plant contributes to the economy, whether as food, medicine, industrial raw material, or commodity. This reflects a national ambition to harness natural resources for economic growth, self-sufficiency, and the prosperity of the United States, aligning with the Department of Agriculture's mission.
The Role of Government in Scientific Advancement
The book's very existence, commissioned by the Secretary of Agriculture, exemplifies the government's active role in funding, organizing, and disseminating scientific research for public good. It highlights a period where federal institutions were becoming central to scientific inquiry and the application of knowledge to practical national challenges like agriculture.

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How does this catalogue reflect the scientific and economic priorities of the United States in the late 19th century?

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