<- Dijkgraaf 2009 (Article) Mexico

The Botanical Illustrations from the Sess� and Moci�o Expedition (1787-1803)

Author(s):L. Dijkgraaf

Publication:Journal of the Bromeliad Society Int. 69(2): 6-12. (2020)

Abstract:—Authorized in 1786 by king Carlos III, Spain made a botanical expedition in the viceroyalty of New Spain exploring Mexico, the West Indies, northern Central America, Baja and Alta California and Nootka (near Vancouver, Canada) under the command of Martin de Sess� y Lacasta and (from 1790) Jos� Mariano Moci�o. The order by the king was to establish a botanical garden and a scientific expedition �to make drawings, collect the natural products, and illustrate and complete the work of doctor Francisco Hern�ndez� (Rickett, 1947). In the 16th century Hern�ndez was one of the first scientists to visit the new world.