This circular consists of two companion essays, written as introductions for two anthologies of original papers illustrating the development of herpetology in North America before 1900. Editorial limitations by the original publisher prevented a fuller treatment and the proper referencing of statements, and also necessitated the emphasis on authors represented in the anthologies. Nevertheless, it is hoped that these essays will be of interest to students of American herpetology.
The two essays appeared as parts of the following works:
- Herpetology in Eastern North America During the "Naturalist's Period" (1725-1850), p. 1-17. In K. Adler (ed.), Early Herpetological Studies and Surveys in the Eastern United States
- Herpetology in Western North America During the Nineteenth Century, p. 1-17. In K. Adler (ed.), Herpetological Explorations of the Great American West