Smithsonian Institution Secretary, Charles Doolittle Walcott

Charles Doolittle Walcott (1850-1927) is a highly respected figure in the history of geology and palcontology. Perhaps his most notable contribution to his field was his discovery of the Middle Cambrian Burgess Shale, one of the most important fossil discoveries ever made, In addition to his distingulshed field work, Walcott’s career included years of service as an administrative leader in the scientific community: as director of the U.S. Geological Survey, as secretary of the Smith-sonian Institute, as organizer of the National Space and Aeronautics Administration, as a founding member of the National Research Council, and as president of the National Academy of Sciences. Smithsonian Institution Secretary continues the story Ellis L. Yochelson began in Charles Doolittle Wolcott, Paleontologist (1998). Using Walcott’s letters and journals and the recollections of friends and colleagues, Yochelson discusses Walcott’s life and career as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. As secretary, he worked thelessly to revitalize the dispirited organization, fighting for funding, recognition, and support from presidents, Congress, and the general public. During his tenure, the Institution flourished.