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Description of  Charles Valentine Riley: Founder of Modern Entomology

0817320091 pdf Riley propelled entomology from a collectors parlor hobby of the nineteenth century to the serious study of insects in the Modern Age This definitive biography is the first full account of a fascinating American scientist whose leadership created the modern science of entomology that recognizes both the essential role of insects in natural systems and their challenge to the agricultural food supply that sustains humankind. Charles Valentine Riley: Founder of Modern Entomology tells the story of how Riley (18431895), a young British immigrant to Americawith classical schooling, only a smattering of natural history knowledge, and with talent in art and writing but no formal training in sciencecame to play a key role in the reorientation of entomology from the collection and arrangement of specimens to a scientific approach to insect evolution, diversity, ecology, and applied management of insect pests. Drawing on Rileys personal diaries, family records, correspondence, and publications, the authors trace Rileys career as farm laborer, Chicago journalist, Missouri State Entomologist, chief federal entomologist, founder of the National Insect Collection, and initiator of the professional organization that became the Entomological Society of America. Also examined in detail are his spectacular campaigns against the Rocky Mountain Locust that stalled western migration in the 1870s, the Grape Read more