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Introduction

A Textbook of General Botany is an introduction to botany published in 1924 by Gilbert M. Smith (Stanford University), James B. Overton, Edward M. Gilbert, Rollin H. Denniston, George S. Bryan, and Charles E. Allen(University of Wisconsin). The aim of this textbook was to present the field of botany as a concise unit and it was used in first-year courses of elementary botany at the University of Wisconsin, where students were the target audience.

The textbook uses foundational material that is already recognizable to the student as the authors defend that this familiarity is necessary in the development of science education. Accordingly, it is structured to appeal to beginning students and argues that the start of studying botany should be an observation of the structure and function of everyday plants, rather than studying distinctions between morphology, physiology, ecology, which are described as “artificially abstracted phases of the subject.” (from preface of 1st edition). Additionally, the general concepts are illustrated by basic facts, which avoid the use of over-technical terms that would impede mastering of the subject matter. The book was written in a logical order on the assumption of a continuous year’s course and in such a way that the content could be studied out of order without losing comprehensibility.

Who was Gilbert Morgan Smith?

Gilbert Morgan Smith (1885 – 1959) was an American botanist, author and professor of the University of Wisconsin and later at Stanford University, until his retirement in 1950. He was a specialist in algae, which remained his predominant interest throughout his entire career. 

Why is he important?

Besides his attribution to the botanical literature in the form of articles and books, Smith influenced the field through the development of new isolation techniques and the naming of new genera and species. Furthermore, his strict, yet fair teaching style motivated and inspired a great many scientists of the next generation.

What is his background, leading up to the book?

Gilbert M. Smith was born in Beloit Wisconsin, where he was also raised and schooled for the majority of his childhood. He belonged to a family of traditional academics, which placed high value on classical undergraduate studies, such as Greek, Latin and French. The young Smith proved to possess no particular talent in these subjects, as would be reflected in grades. During the course of his secondary education, Smith was transferred to and from various institutions in the hopes that his performance would improve. He completed his secondary education in Williston Academy, where it had become clear that where he struggled in languages, he compensated with great proficiency in maths and biology.

Smith then pursued an undergraduate degree at Beloit College, where he developed a fascination with botany and chemistry. Contrary to his original intentions, his passion for these subjects led him to apply for a graduate degree. He was awarded an Assistantship in Botany at the University of Wisconsin, where he began to specialize in algae. In addition, he achieved a Ph.D degree, which included teaching responsibilities at the University of Wisconsin. Discontent with the current selection of basic botany literature, it was at this point in time that Smith conceived the notion to produce a textbook to meet the standards for his General Botany course: A Textbook of General Botany.

Smith recruited 5 other staff members to contribute to the book content, and the 1^st of 5 editions was released in 1924. By means of mimeograph the book was used as tool for University of Wisconsin lectures and students. Various professors included much of the subject matter in their one-semester courses for freshmen students (list material from preface?). The last of the editions was released in 1953.

The book reflects many of Smith’s values, such as the significance of illustration for educational purposes and the efficiency of direct, concise wording. A Textbook of General Botany was notable because its illustrations were both greater in number and in detail than was customary of textbooks of the time. As he moved on to teach at Stanford University, Smiths’ teaching style maintained the same theme. Smith was described to be a well-prepared, organized and intentional lecturer, who regularly required sketching, drawing and ‘inking’ from his students, as a means for them to solidify their learnings.

What were some of Smith’s other prominent works?

Smith was involved in the publication of more than 50 works during his lifetime, most of which were journal articles. At the age of 28 he produced his first scientific paper (Tetradesmus), which documented the distinguished achievement of the naming of a new genus. However, is particularly known for his books “Freshwater Algae of the United States” (1933), “Marine Algae of the Monterey Peninsula” (1944) and the two volumes of “Cryptogamic Botany” (1955). Through his writing, Smith was able to target a wide spectrum, ranging from including university students of both elementary and advanced courses to his peers in the numerous scientific affiliations in which he was involved.

What happened afterwards?

After his official retirement from teaching in 1950 at the age of 65, Smith dedicated the remainder of his years primarily to travel and continued self-learning. By this time, Smith was already quite well travelled, as he had spent time in England, Sweden, Hawaii and New Zealand, during his career. Upon his retirement, however, he and his wife Helen Smith (married in 1913) enjoyed travelling for leisure and pleasure, taking trips to exotic destinations such as Japan, Africa, South American and Thailand.

The Smiths were also superb ballroom dancers and enthusiastic bridge players. The diversity of Smiths’ competences – both within and outside of his profession - was made possible by his disciplined, structured and dedicated lifestyle. Smith’s work day ran on a series of constructive habits, and he kept a clear distinction between career and free-time activities.

Despite his focused attitude towards life, Smith was a social being, well-liked by both his students and peers. When he taught, we did so with clarity and detail. He gave individualized attention to his students, so although his courses were rigorous and his standards high, his students tended to succeed. Smith was socially active in scientific community, frequently attending conferences other events around the country. There, he was known to engage in animated conversation with both old friends and young scientists, convinced that this was the best method to share learnings.

Smith died in 1959 from a natural, rapid decline in health. Yet through his ailing condition, he was said to remain a positive and inspiration being from which the world of botany had greatly benefited.

Concise version

Gilbert Morgan Smith (1885 – 1959) was an American botanist, author and professor of the University of Wisconsin and later at Stanford University, until his retirement in 1950. He was a specialist in algae, which remained his predominant interest throughout his entire career. ^[1]

Smith was born in Beloit Wisconsin, where he was also raised and schooled for the majority of his childhood. He completed his secondary education in Williston Academy, where his talent for maths and biology had become clear. Smith then pursued an undergraduate degree at Beloit College. Afterwards, he was awarded an Assistantship in Botany at the University of Wisconsin, where he began to specialize in algae. In addition, he achieved a Ph.D degree and began teaching at the University of Wisconsin. His discontent with the current available textbooks of the time was wat motivated the creation of A Textbook of General Botany.

Smith was involved in the publication of more than 50 works during his lifetime, most of which were journal articles. He is particularly known for his books “Freshwater Algae of the United States” (1933), “Marine Algae of the Monterey Peninsula” (1944) and the two volumes of “Cryptogamic Botany” (1955). Through his writing, Smith was able to target a wide spectrum, ranging from including university students of both elementary and advanced courses to his peers in the numerous scientific affiliations in which he was involved. ^[3]

Besides a well-respected botanist, Smith was also a superb ballroom dancer and an avid bridge player. He shared these hobbies with his wife, Helen Smith (married in 1913). After his retirement in from teaching in 1950, the couple also enjoyed travelling for leisure and pleasure, taking trips to exotic destinations such as Japan, Africa, South American and Thailand. The diversity of Smiths’ competences was made possible by his disciplined, structured and dedicated lifestyle. Smith’s work day ran on a series of constructive habits, and he kept a clear distinction between career and free-time activities.

Smith died in 1959 from a natural, rapid decline in health. Yet through his ailing condition, he was said to remain a positive and inspiration being from which the world of botany had greatly benefited.