Jefferson and the Natural World

Weather

"...my method is to make two observations a day..."

—Thomas Jefferson, 1790

Jefferson's Weather Observations Read the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia entry on Jefferson's role as the "father of weather observers."
Notes on the State of Virginia Query VII Explore "Query VII," the chapter in Jefferson's "Notes on the State of Virginia" devoted to weather and climate.
The Jefferson Weather and Climate Records Explore the interactive Jefferson Weather and Climate Records created by Princeton University.

"nature intended me for the tranquill pursuits of science, by rendering them my supreme delight."

—Thomas Jefferson, 1809

Weather ... Paleontology ... Astronomy ... The American Philosophical Society ... More Resources on the Natural World

Paleontology

"I have no doubt that the marked differences between the elephant & our colossal animal entitle him to a distinct appellation"

—Thomas Jefferson, 1809

 

Jefferson's "Great-claw" Jefferson's detailed scientific examination of fossils found in Virginia earned him recognition as the "father of American Paleontology."
Mastodons and Big Bone Lick This Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article and Mountaintop History Podcast tell the story of Big Bone Lick and Jefferson's role in the paleontological examination of its fossils.
Incognitum This Smithsonian article details the endeavors of Jefferson and Charles Willson Peale in using the American mastodon to refute French naturalist Comte de Buffon's claim that America was inferior to Europe.

Astronomy

"I was much attached to Astronomy & had laid a sufficient foundation at College to have pursued it with satisfaction & advantage."

—Thomas Jefferson, 1811

Astronomical Case Clock Jefferson's frustration at missing an eclipse led him design and commission an astronomical case clock remarkable for its accuracy,
Jefferson's Orrery This Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article and embedded video share Jefferson's fascination with the orrery - a model of planetary bodies.
David Rittenhouse Jefferson's fellow scientist and American Philosophical Society colleague was the foremost astronomer of his day.

The American Philosophical Society

"...my most grateful thanks to the American Philosophical Society for the honour they have been pleased to confer on me..."

—Thomas Jefferson, 1781

Jefferson and the American Philosophical Society In this recorded Q&A, Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Bill Barker, discusses his involvement in the oldest learned society in the United States, including his fascinating colleagues and intellectual pursuits.
The American Philosophical Society This Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article details Jefferson's connection to the American Philosophical Society from member to long-term President.
The American Philosophical Society and Western Exploration The American Philosophical Society was the sponsor and beneficiary of expeditions to explore the American West, most notably the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

Podcast

"A Rich Spot of Earth"

Dig into the natural world of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello by tuning into our 'Rich Spot of Earth' podcast, where history blooms with every episode.

More Resources on Jefferson and the Natural World

The Interests of Science! Learn more about Jefferson's friend, fellow Founder, physician, and scientist, Doctor Benjamin Rush.
Geology Peruse the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article on Jefferson's interest in geology.
Survey of the Coast This Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia article details Jefferson's endeavors to explore and map the entire U.S. Coastline, giving birth to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Related Topics

Jefferson's Excavation of a Native American Burial Mound

A combination of Jefferson's fascination with the culture of the Indigenous People of Virginia and his adherence to the European Enlightenment's emphasis on empirical data and scientific categorization resulted in Jefferson's excavation of a Monacan burial mound along the Rivanna River.

Available from The Shop at Monticello

The Spirit of Inquiry in the Age of Jefferson

In commemoration of the 275th anniversary of the American Philosophical Society’s founding in 1743 and the birth of its long-time president, Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), this volume explores the history of science, knowledge production, and learning during the Age of Jefferson through papers presented at a 2018 symposium.

Jefferson's West: A Journey With Lewis & Clark

Historian James P. Ronda retells this compelling part of the American story by contrasting Thomas Jefferson's expectations for the expedition with what Clark and Lewis actually experienced.

Mammoth Book and Toy

Thomas Jefferson and the Mammoth Hunt is a rhyming account of Jefferson’s quest to disprove French naturalist Count Buffon’s claim that America only had small animals.

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