Good thing I know somebody with a subscription to American Scientist, otherwise I would never have found out that Keith Thomson (another friend of ours and former ICJS fellow) published an article in the May-June issue, "Jefferson, Buffon and the Moose" (pp. 200-202).  It's an excellent overview of the philosophical argument between Buffon and Jefferson regarding "degeneracy" of New World flora, fauna, and even people vs. those of the Old World. For those eager to read this article (and no convenient access of their own to scientists with subscriptions to American Scientist), I'll be absconding back to Virginia with a copy, which will be available for viewing at the Jefferson Library shortly thereafter.  It's also available online here.