George Lincoln Goodale

PSM V39 D594 George Lincoln Goodale

George Lincoln Goodale (August 3, 1839 – April 12, 1923) was an American botanist and the first director of the Harvard Botanical Museum. He made significant contributions to the field of botany and was instrumental in the development of botanical education in the United States.

Early Life and Education

George Lincoln Goodale was born in Saco, Maine. He attended Amherst College, where he developed an interest in natural sciences. After graduating in 1860, he pursued medical studies at Harvard Medical School, earning his M.D. in 1863.

Career

Goodale began his career as a practicing physician but soon shifted his focus to botany. In 1867, he became a professor of natural science at Bowdoin College. His work at Bowdoin led to his appointment as a professor of botany at Harvard University in 1872.

Harvard Botanical Museum

In 1888, Goodale was appointed the first director of the Harvard Botanical Museum. Under his leadership, the museum expanded its collections and became a leading center for botanical research and education. Goodale was particularly interested in the economic aspects of botany, including the study of plants used in medicine and industry.

Contributions to Botany

Goodale authored several important texts on botany, including "Physiological Botany" and "Wild Flowers of America." His work helped to standardize botanical terminology and classification in the United States. He was also a pioneer in the use of botanical illustrations and models for educational purposes.

Legacy

George Lincoln Goodale's contributions to botany and botanical education have had a lasting impact. The Harvard Botanical Museum, now part of the Harvard Museum of Natural History, continues to be a leading institution for botanical research. Goodale's emphasis on the practical applications of botany has influenced generations of botanists and educators.

Personal Life

Goodale married Henrietta H. Loring in 1864, and they had three children. He passed away on April 12, 1923, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

See Also

• Harvard University
• Harvard Museum of Natural History
• Botany
• Amherst College
• Bowdoin College