1920s Emory University Handwritten Catalog of Birds of North America in Ornithologist Shorthand
10283On offer is an interesting scholarly catalog of birds of North America dating from the early days of the 20th century.
On the front flyleaf, there is the handwritten title A Catalog of the Birds of North America in the Collection of Emory University. It was compiled no earlier than 1922 as the latest entry is date December 28th, 1921.
The handwritten listings are indexed according to the alphabetic codes which are abbreviations of English or scientific bird names that are employed by ornithologists as shorthand. This code, known as AOU was developed by the American Ornithologists' Union (AOU; now American Ornithological Society, AOS). It was designed to allow quicker data entry than filling out the full English or scientific name of a species and they can also serve to cross-check other recorded names or numeric data.
The author of this catalogue is unknown.
Entries take the following form:
“AOU 511 Quiscalus quizcala: Purple Grackle 1671 [male sex symbol] Washington, DC 3/11/1887 Charles W. Richmond”
The listings extend from AOU 3 to AOU 768 with gaps in the progression of code numbers. This is an excellent reference for those studying in the field of ornithology or indeed anyone with an interest in birds. It can provide an interesting benchmark for measuring bird populations and ranges.
The hardbound volume measures 9 1/2 inches by 6 inches and contains 300 pages. The pages are intact and the handwriting is neat and legible.
Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information or to request photos. (Kindly include the SKU, listed on this page above the price, in your e-mail so we can more easily answer your questions.)
