Jared Potter Kirtland

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Jared Potter Kirtland 1793-1877
Jared Potter Kirtland
BornNovember 10, 1793
Wallingford, Connecticut, U.S.
DiedDecember 10, 1877
East Rockport, Ohio, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPhysician, naturalist, malacologist
Known forContributions to natural history and medicine


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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]


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