Why Did Clark And Lewis Utilize Botany?

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Lewis and Clark’s expedition west, ordered by President Thomas Jefferson, to collect important agricultural, medicinal, and ornamental plants they found along the way. Meriwether Lewis was knowledgeable about plants and his mother was an herbalist. In 1811, Philadelphia botanist Benjamin Smith Barton and German botanist Fredrick Pursh began to describe the Lewis and Clark collection, but Pursh took several specimens when he left for England later. Lewis often described West Coast species by their names.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition began in 1804, when President Thomas Jefferson tasked Meriwether Lewis with exploring the lands west of the Mississippi River. The more than two hundred plants collected by the expedition reached Philadelphia were a significant advance of botanical knowledge. The primary goal of the trip was to gather and record scientific information about western animals, plants, and geography. Lewis used the science of botany not as a taxonomist or field botanist but rather as a practical observer and collector of plant and animal specimens, weather data, and native peoples.

Some plants with ornamental potential were distributed and entered the nursery trade early on, such as Lewis’s prairie flax (Linum perenne lewisii). Botanical discovery became one of the key goals, and Lewis had studied under Benjamin Barton at the University of Pennsylvania. Two genera of particularly beautiful plants commemorate Lewis and Clark: lewisia and clarkia, both having species native to the region. For future reference, Lewis described native plants on which the Indians and members of the expedition relied for food and medicine.

What did Lewis and Clark use for medicine?

The Lewis and Clark expedition brought various medicines to treat various ailments and injuries on their expedition. Opium and laudanum were used as pain relievers, while camphor was used to combat fever. Copaiba, a common military ailment, was treated with balsam of copaiba combined with calomel, a mercury solution. Peppermint essence was also brought for stomach complaints. In August 1805, Peter Weiser was ill with a fit of the cholic, and Lewis administered a doze of peppermint and laudinum, which helped him recover and rejoin the party. Despite their limited training, the crew managed to treat many illnesses and injuries, with luck often being the deciding factor between recovery or death.

Was Meriwether Lewis a botanist?

Jefferson’s customary trip to the west was to assess resources, including plants, with Meriwether Lewis, a local healer and herbalist, being a key figure. Lewis had the ability to catalog plant discoveries due to his herbal knowledge, which was valuable for identification. However, there was no doctor on the trip. Lucas, an herbalist in Gearhart, became serious about medicinal herbs after a health crisis that conventional medicine could not solve. She found good schooling at Nature’s Sunshine Products and their extensive educational system, leading her to become a “plant person”.

What was a tremendous obstacle for Lewis and Clark?

Tenacity is the ability to persevere through adversity, and Lewis and Clark demonstrated this through their journey through various challenges. They faced unknown territory, hostile Indian tribes, severe weather, hunger, fatigue, and even hostile animals. Despite these hardships, they persevered, as they often used the phrase “We proceeded on”. Leadership, as defined by the term, involves leading others and guiding them towards success. Lewis and Clark’s motivational approach, characterized by teamwork, tone, and tenacity, has made them one of the most inspirational and famous explorers in American history.

What did Lewis and Clark use?

The Lewis and Clark expedition used traditional navigational tools to determine latitude and longitude, including a sextant, octant, chronometer, and artificial horizons. They also carried a surveying compass to determine the difference between magnetic north and true north. Although imperfect by modern standards, these tools provided the Corps of Discovery with enough certainty to know their location at any given time. However, a mistake of two degrees could result in an error of up to one hundred miles, as they were in unknown parts.

Who was the botanist on the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

Benjamin Smith Barton, a botanist, is often associated with the Corps of Discovery due to his role in tutoring Meriwether Lewis on botanical aspects of the journey. However, another botanist played a significant role in documenting the flora of the Expedition. Thomas Jefferson sent the first boxes of flora specimens to Barton in Philadelphia, but he did nothing with them. When Lewis returned in 1806, Jefferson urged him to prepare his journal for publication and arrange for Barton to begin work on the natural history.

Lewis realized Barton had done nothing, possibly due to poor health or unwillingness. In 1807, gardener and seed merchant Bernard McMahon recommended that Lewis contact Frederick T. Pursh to examine the Expedition’s plants, who was Barton’s part-time curator and collector.

What technology did Lewis and Clark use?

Captains Lewis and Clark used various instruments to create maps of their route, including spirit and telescopic levels, compasses, an octant, rods and chains, telescopes, artificial horizons, drafting instruments, a measuring tape, and a clock or chronometer. They also used books and tables to determine the locations of celestial objects, such as the sun, moon, and planets. The chronometer was the only form of accurately stating the time, which was used in many calculations based on it.

What are 3 interesting facts about Meriwether Lewis?

Meriwether Lewis, born in 1774 in Virginia, was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1801 to lead an expedition west of the Mississippi. He was close friends with William Clark and was asked to act as his private secretary. Lewis was also offered the opportunity to lead an expedition into the lands west of the Mississippi, which he did after enlisting Clark. The Lewis and Clark Expedition, a famous journey, successfully reached the Pacific Ocean in November 1805.

Lewis was born in Georgia and spent his childhood building hunting skills. After his father’s death, he returned to Virginia for formal education through private tutors. He graduated from Liberty Hall in 1793, becoming a prominent figure in American history. Despite his desire for a wife, Lewis never married or had any children.

Who was the botanist that Travelled with Captain Cook?

Joseph Banks, a wealthy botanist, was a key figure in the British colonization of New South Wales. He accompanied Cook on his first voyage, leading a group of scientists and artists to record, observe, and collect plant and animal material from locals. Banks’ personal fortune allowed him to outfit his scientific team with a fine reference library, collecting equipment, and ample space on board the ship for specimen storage and work. To learn about his work, check the copyright status in the catalogue record.

What stops did Lewis and Clark make?

The Lewis and Clark Expedition involved Lewis and Clark traveling nine miles to Spirit Mound in South Dakota, Virginia, and Monticello in 1803. They sent a letter to Congress from Monticello in 1803 and reached Cape Disappointment in Washington. After traversing the Lolo Trail, the Corps of Discovery descended to the Weippe Prairie in September 1805. In late September, they made contact with the Nez Perce, who prepared them for the next leg of their journey.

Who was the black man who helped Lewis and Clark?

York, an American explorer and the first African American to cross North America, was a skilled frontiersman and hunter. He was also the enslaved body servant to Captain William Clark. After the expedition’s return, York was denied payment and freedom. The Lewis and Clark Expedition, a landmark in American history, is a testament to the courage and determination of the Corps of Discovery. The journals left behind by Captains Lewis and Clark have kept the story alive, allowing us to follow the Corps of Discovery as they traveled thousands of miles to reach the Pacific Ocean in 1804. York’s story is often overlooked, but he was a testament to the resilience and determination of the American people.

What plant did Lewis and Clark discover?

Lewis and Clark made significant discoveries in the early 20th century, including the discovery of the Lewisia rediviva flower and the Clarkia pulchella flower. They also discovered the Fritillaria lanceolata and Fritillaria pudica lily, which were popular “finds” out west. The Camassia quamash, a camas flower discovered in Idaho but growing on the Columbia long after the season Lewis and Clark canoed by, remains one of the most beautiful lily family members they encountered and recorded.

Capt. Meriwether Lewis wrote more poetically than his scientifically inclined partner Capt. William Clark, who wrote long passages in his journal during long breaks during their canoe rides. His entries recall his childhood boy-in-the-woods enthusiasms and provide lasting impressions of flowers encountered along the way. The dried specimens collected, along with Lewis’ written records, provided scientists in Philadelphia with the necessary proof of discovery for new western plants.