Jared Potter Kirtland

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Jared Potter Kirtland 1793-1877

American naturalist, malacologist, and physician

Jared Potter Kirtland

Name	Jared Potter Kirtland
Birth name
Birth date	November 10, 1793
Birth place	Wallingford, Connecticut, U.S.
Death date	December 10, 1877
Death place	East Rockport, Ohio, U.S.
Alma mater
Occupation	Physician, naturalist, malacologist
Years active
Organization
Known for	Contributions to natural history and medicine
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Jared Potter Kirtland (November 10, 1793 – December 10, 1877) was an American physician, naturalist, and malacologist. He is best known for his contributions to natural history and medicine in the 19th century.

Early Life and Education

Kirtland was born in Wallingford, Connecticut, to Turhand Kirtland and Mary Potter. He attended Yale University, where he studied under the prominent naturalist Benjamin Silliman. Kirtland graduated from Yale in 1815 and subsequently earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1818.

Career

After completing his education, Kirtland began practicing medicine in Poland, Ohio. He later moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he became a prominent figure in the medical community. Kirtland was a founding member of the Cleveland Medical College, now known as the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, where he served as a professor of medicine and botany.

Contributions to Natural History

Kirtland was an avid naturalist and made significant contributions to the study of malacology, the branch of zoology that deals with mollusks. He described numerous species of mollusks and was instrumental in the establishment of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Kirtland also had a keen interest in ornithology and botany. He published several papers on the flora and fauna of Ohio, and his work laid the foundation for future studies in these fields. The Kirtland's warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii), a rare songbird, was named in his honor.

Personal Life

Kirtland married Caroline Atwater in 1818, and the couple had several children. He was known for his dedication to both his family and his work. Kirtland's home in East Rockport, Ohio, became a center for scientific study and discussion.

Legacy

Jared Potter Kirtland's contributions to medicine and natural history have left a lasting impact. His work in establishing medical education in Ohio and his extensive research in natural history continue to be recognized and respected.

See Also

• Kirtland's warbler
• Cleveland Medical College
• Cleveland Museum of Natural History
• Malacology
• Ornithology
• Botany