Valery Havard

Valery Havard

Valery Havard (1848–1927) was a French-American military surgeon, botanist, and author. He is best known for his contributions to botany and his service in the United States Army.

Early Life and Education

Valery Havard was born in 1848 in France. He emigrated to the United States and pursued a career in medicine. Havard graduated from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.

Military Career

Havard joined the United States Army as a surgeon and served in various capacities. He was stationed at multiple military posts across the United States, including the Western frontier. His experiences in these remote areas sparked his interest in the local flora.

Contributions to Botany

Havard made significant contributions to the field of botany, particularly in the study of plants in the American Southwest. He collected and documented numerous plant species, many of which were previously unknown to science. His work was highly regarded by his contemporaries, and several plant species were named in his honor.

Publications

Valery Havard authored several important works on botany and medicine. His publications include detailed descriptions of plant species and their uses, particularly in the context of ethnobotany. Some of his notable works are:

• Report on the Flora of Western and Southern Texas
• The Grasses of the Southwest

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring from the military, Havard continued his botanical studies and writing. He passed away in 1927, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to both medicine and botany. His work remains influential, and he is remembered as a pioneer in the study of the flora of the American Southwest.

See Also

• Botany
• United States Army Medical Department
• Ethnobotany