Notes on the State of Virginia

Abstract

20 Thomas Jefferson’s record of North American plants in Notes on the State of Virginia, his only published book, not only offers insights into the native species he deemed valuable to early Americans, but also serves as an important reference and primary resource document. Originally written to refute European misconceptions about the natural history of North America, Jefferson’s responses to a list of queries, which he began answering 1781-82, ultimately developed into a comprehensive and masterfully rendered portrait of his native land. Jefferson consulted the floras and botanical treatises of the most learned scholars of his day upon which to base his own scientific conclusions. In the introductory paragraph to his essay on Virginia’s flora Jefferson clarifies that he added “the Linnaean to the popular names, as the latter might not convey precise information to a foreigner.” The Swedish scientist Carolus Linnaeus (1707-1778), considered the Father of Taxonomy, created the binomial system, which hence forward revolutionized our way of identifying living things based on shared physical characteristics. Among his many scientific tomes, Linnaeus’ great work Systema Natura (1735) ran through twelve editions and his Species Plantarum (1753) was published within Jefferson’s lifetime. In addition to Linnaeus, Jefferson cited the English-born botanist John Clayton (c. 1693-1773), who lived for many years at Windsor in Gloucester County, Virginia and whose botanical investigations are embodied in John Frederick Gronovius’ Flora Virginica (1739). Jefferson’s mention “of Millar” referred to his third source, Philip Miller (1691-1771), the English botanist and head gardener at Chelsea Physic Gardens whose essential works The Gardener’s Dictionary (1731) and The Gardener’s Kalendar (1732) informed Jefferson on many gardening related topics throughout his life time. It was not until the 7th edition, published in 1759, that Miller used the Linnaean scientific system of nomenclature. Jefferson’s library contained at least three of Miller’s books, including the 1768 edition of the Dictionary, and the 1765 edition of the Kalendar. In one revision made years later, Jefferson turned to William Bartram’s Travels through North and South Carolina (1791) to answer his question about the identification of willows (Salix species) that grow along the banks of rivers. Jefferson organized the “Vegetables” in chapter VI into four major categories: 1. Medicinal, 2. Esculent, 3. Ornamental, and 4. Useful for Fabrication. But, his lists are bare bones, sparingly embellished, and by his own admission, a selective and incomplete inventory. He does not elaborate upon or explain his reasons for assigning a plant to one particular category as opposed to another. No cures are included with the medicinal plants, no recipes for the edibles, Jefferson’s Botanical Catalog in Notes on the State of Virginia