Richard Harlan

Harlan Richard 1796-1843

Richard Harlan
Born	September 19, 1796 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Died	September 30, 1843 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Occupation	Physician, naturalist
Known for	Contributions to paleontology and zoology

Richard Harlan (September 19, 1796 – September 30, 1843) was an American physician and naturalist known for his contributions to paleontology and zoology. He was a prominent figure in the early 19th century scientific community in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Richard Harlan was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 19, 1796. He pursued his medical education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his medical degree in 1818. During his studies, Harlan developed a keen interest in natural history, which would shape his future career.

Career

After completing his medical degree, Harlan began practicing medicine in Philadelphia. However, his passion for natural history led him to become involved in various scientific endeavors. He was a member of several scientific societies, including the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.

Contributions to Paleontology

Harlan made significant contributions to the field of paleontology. He is best known for his work on the fossils of prehistoric animals. In 1824, he described the first known dinosaur fossil in North America, which he named Basilosaurus. Although initially misidentified as a reptile, this discovery was later recognized as an early whale.

Contributions to Zoology

In addition to his work in paleontology, Harlan made notable contributions to zoology. He published several works on the classification and description of various animal species. His book, Fauna Americana (1825), was one of the first comprehensive studies of North American wildlife.

Personal Life

Richard Harlan married Mary Binney, and they had several children. Despite his busy professional life, Harlan was known for his dedication to his family and his community.

Death and Legacy

Richard Harlan died on September 30, 1843, in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he had traveled to study the local flora and fauna. His contributions to paleontology and zoology have left a lasting impact on the scientific community. Harlan's work laid the foundation for future research in these fields, and he is remembered as a pioneer in American natural history.

See Also

• Paleontology
• Zoology
• Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia
• University of Pennsylvania