Carleton A. Shurtleff Papers
Content Description
This collection is composed of three notebooks by Carleton A. Shurtleff: "Catalogue of Insects," "1862 Notebook," and "Brookline Notebook." The "Catalogue of Insects" and the "Brookline Notebook" contain specific details about insects collected, including when, how, and where he collected the insects. Each insect generally has a (presumed) finding number assigned by him. The "1862 Notebook" also contains descriptions of Shurtleff's travels to Eastport, Maine, and the White Mountains in New Hampshire. See inventory for item level descriptions.
Dates
- 1840 - 1864
- Majority of material found within 1856 - 1862
Creator
- Shurtleff, Carleton A. (1840-1864) (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for use. Some materials are fragile and require special care instructions.
Conditions Governing Use
Materials are in the public domain. The researcher assumes all responsibility for attaining permission for reproduction.
Biographical / Historical
Carleton A. Shurtleff (1840-1864) was a young entomologist who served in the army as a medical cadet during the Civil War, during which he died suddenly from disease at the siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Shurtleff was a member of the Boston Society of Natural History (BSNH). His papers and collections consisted of primarily insects and plants. Shurtleff authored a paper, "The general Plan of Venation in the Order of Insects and its modification in the different suborders," in which he showed the distinct pattern of veins in insect wings. The specimens from Shurtleff's collections came to over 10,000 insect specimens and about 1,800 New England plants, which contributed to the basis of a new New England collection at the BSNH.
Extent
0.18 Linear Feet (3 notebooks.)
Language of Materials
English
Latin
Arrangement
Three notebooks kept as listed.
Custodial History
Donated by his brother, Dr. Augustine Shurtleff, after Carleton's death to the Boston Society of Natural History along with Carleton's extensive insect and plant specimen collection.
Accruals
None are expected
Processing Information
Emily Buff (Archives Management Graduate Intern)
Creator
- Shurtleff, Carleton A. (1840-1864) (Person)
- Title
- Carleton A. Shurtleff Papers Finding Aid
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Emily Buff (Archives Management Graduate Intern)
- Date
- May 2025
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Museum of Science, Boston Archives Repository