George Brown Goode, American Ichthyologist who served as the assistant secretary in charge of National Museum [of Natural History] at the Smithsonian Institution. Typed letter signed. (“G. Brown Goode”). 2 pages. 4to. (6 ½ x 9 ¾ inches). Washington, 7 June 1892. A Smithsonian Institution document acknowledging a specimen donated by English shipbroker and naturalist Robert Morton Middleton, JR., F.L.S., F.Z.S. (1846-1909).

Goode was a trained ichthyologist who conducted fish research for the United States Fish Commission and the Smithsonian Institution starting in 1873. From 1887 to 1888 he was the U.S. Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries. He was also the author of numerous scientific books and articles including Catalogue of Bermuda Fishes in 1876 and Oceanic Ichthyology in 1895. Numerous species of fish are named for him. 

The Smithsonian was established in 1846 by an act of Congress. It is the largest museum complex in the world.

Middleton was a British collector of natural specimens and a member of the British Linnean Zoological Society, who lived for a time in Tennessee, where he collected the specimen acknowledged by our document. He corresponded with many naturalists of his day, and, in 1890, he donated more than 3,000 specimens to McGill University. After returning to England in 1892, he was a Temporary Assistant at the Natural History Museum until his death.

Our document thanks him for donating a specimen of Plethodon aeneus, or green salamander, from South Pittsburgh, Tennessee (accession #25755). The green salamander is an unusual species of lungless salamander found in the Eastern United States.

Headed by the original Smithsonian seal featuring the likeness of scientist and Smithsonian benefactor James Smithson and which was in use from 1847 to 1893. Some creasing and wear. In very good condition.

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