Biographical Encyclopedia of Texas Page: 358 of 372
300 p., 34 port. ; 32 cm.View a full description of this book.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
292
BIOGRAPHICAL
Dr. Shunard entered the same institution as a
student, and having pursued his studies with assiduity
and success, obtained his medical degree in
the spring of 1843.
He practiced with success for a short time in
in one of the interior towns of the state of Kentucky,
but subsequently removed to Louisville,
Kentucky, which city promised a wider field for
the exercise of his varied talents and accomplishments.
By nature, industrious and persevering, almost
to a fault, every nmoment of leisure from professional
duties was spent by him in a geological
examination of the country adjacent to Louisville,
the study of which was to him a delightful task.
For three years, in the intervals of leisure which
he could find, he thus engaged in the science
as an amateur, and made an extensive collection
of the fossils an(d shells to be found around the
falls of the Ohio. To most of his friends the time
thus occupied seemed to be misspent; but, as the
event proves, by careful observation and diligent
perusal of all the scientific publications on the subject
of geology to which he could obtain access, he
was then laying broad and deep the foundations
on which his accumulating speculation is built.
The visit of Sir Charles Lyell and Mr. Edward
De Verneuil to Louisvitle, in 1846, enkindled anew
the ardor of the young geologists of that vicinity.
Dr. Shunmard's collection of organic remains from
the falls excited special interest in these distinguished
European savans; elicited their encomiuins
and secured their friendship, and the last
named attested his appreciation of his magnificient
work on the geology of Russia. This appreciation
of his labors and researches added increased devotion
to his scientific pursuits.
Following out his natural proclivities, and encouraged
by the advice of his many scientific
friends, especially Dr. Yandell, he gave up the
practice of medicine, and in the summer and fall
of 1846 Dr. Shumard made a geological reconnoissauce
of certain portions of Kentucky and Tennessee.
With great care and perseverance he traveled
over the country which he set out to explore, analyzing
the fossils, determining the formations,
making new discoveries, and extending his own
knowledge of geological science by every day's researches.
Among the localities visited by him on
this trip were the counties of Perry and Decatur,
in Tennessee, well known now to palaeontologists
all over the world for the great variety, beauty,
and perfect preservation of the organic remains to
be found there. The tour, was to him, of surpassing
interest and encouragement. He returned toLouisville in September of that year with a store
of rare fossils and specimens, collected at every
point of his journey. His mind was enriched by
the acquisition of much practical knowledge, and a.
firm direction given to the single pursuit of that.
science to which alike the bent of his genius and
his tastes plainly pointed him.
Dr. Shumard was invited by Dr. D. D. Owen to
take a part in the geological survey of Iowa, Wisconsin
and Minnesota, for which he had been comnmissioned
by the. national government in 1846.
The ability with Which. that' great work was prosecuted.to
completion is admitted by men of science
everywhere! And it is not claiming too much for
Dr. Shumard, but is in accordance with the voluntary
testimony of both his associates and others.
capable of judging, that no part of that herculean
labor was performed more faithfully, thoroughly,
and intelligently, than that most important portion
which was committed to his hands. As an obser
ver he proved himself to be acute, accurate, assid-uous;
in his researches he was as ingenious as indefatigable:
and his activity, ardor, and especially
his rare and uncommon proficiency in palaeontology
made him a most useful and indespensible assistant.
The published reports of his important sur-vey-important
in extent and result-will remain
monuments of the industry, acquirements, and
genius of their authors, and certainly of him of
whom we write.
In the intervals of his labors in our north-western
territories, Dr. Shumard, in conjunction with his
distinguished friend Dr. Yandell, of Louisville,Kentucky,
prepared and published a memoir entitled"
Contributions to the Geology of Kentucky,'
which, abounding in original observations and executed
in chaste an elegant style, made his name
familiar to European geologists. This monograph
the first of his public productions, is constantly
referred to by homie and foreign writers on the
fossils of America.
The survey under Dr. Owen having been completed,
Dr. Shumard was appointed by Dr. Evans
to aid him in a geological reconnoissance of the
remote territory of Oregon. IHe sailed for that territory
in 1850 and inmmediately engaged in its explorations.
In this, as in all his previous explorations,
he gailned even increased reputation for scientific
knowledge, energy, and a heroic endurance
which overcame all difficulties.
I-laving concluded an examination of Oregon, on
which he prepared a report, published underauthority
of Congress, he next engaged, in connection
with Professor Swallow, in the geological
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This book can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Related Items
Other items on this site that are directly related to the current book.
Biographical Encyclopedia of Texas (Book)
Biographical view of Texas and its history including narratives of the individuals who helped shape Texas history and information about important point in history including: the pioneer days of Texas, Texas' transition from a Mexican state to being part of the United States, and the wars in which Texas citizens took part.
Relationship to this item: (Has Format)
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Book.
Biographical Encyclopedia of Texas, book, 1880; New York. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth5827/m1/358/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.