Jefferson's fascination with the natural world was part of his Age of Enlightenment thinking.
“ nature intended me for the tranquill pursuits of science, by rendering them my supreme delight”
Delve into Thomas Jefferson's lifelong practice of recording of weather conditions, a habit that has led him to be described as "father of weather observers" in the United States.
Jefferson's passion for meteorology resulted in his devoting an entire chapter of his Notes on the State of Virginia to the topic of climate and weather, including weather observations made by himself and by James Madison.
“ I have no doubt that the marked differences between the elephant & our colossal animal entitle him to a distinct appellation”
An article on the namesake fossils of Megalonyx jeffersonii, an extinct giant sloth Jefferson initially believed was a North American lion.
Read about the history of the Big Bone Lick, Kentucky, and Jefferson's support of William Clark's excavations there, which uncovered an unprecedented trove of prehistoric fossils.
“ I was much attached to Astronomy & had laid a sufficient foundation at College to have pursued it with satisfaction & advantage.”
Learn about the astronomical case clock and its place within Jefferson's collection of scientific instruments.
Orrery made by William Jones in London, 1790. This mechanical model of the solar system was purchased by Thomas Jefferson in 1793.
David Rittenhouse was among America's leading scientists in the 18th-century who shared mutual interests with Thomas Jefferson, his fellow member of The American Philosophical Society, where both men served as President of the organization.
“ ...my most grateful thanks to the American Philosophical Society for the honour they have been pleased to confer on me...”
Understand the role of the American Philosophical Society in promoting intellectual dialogue during Jefferson's time.
A look at the critical role the American Philosophical Society played in the planning and execution of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
A look at Thomas Jefferson's lifelong interest in the science of geology.
As president, Jefferson signed the bill authorizing the survey of the U.S. coastline and was active in choosing the scientist to lead the effort to chart the costal waters of the U.S.
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