Member-only story

The Comstocks of Cornell: A Legacy of Innovation and Transformation in Plant Pathology

Bryce Foster

·9.2k Followers· Follow

Published in The Comstocks Of Cornell: John Henry Comstock And Anna Botsford Comstock

6 min read · 2 weeks before

537 View Claps

52 Respond

Save

Listen

The Comstocks of Cornell University are a renowned family of plant pathologists who have made significant contributions to the field over the course of several generations. Their legacy of research, teaching, and extension work has shaped our understanding of plant diseases and has helped to protect crops worldwide.

The Comstocks of Cornell: John Henry Comstock and Anna Botsford Comstock

by Anna Botsford Comstock

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1623 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages

John Henry Comstock

The patriarch of the Comstock family, John Henry Comstock, was born in 1849 in Janesville, Wisconsin. He developed an early interest in entomology and natural history, and at the age of 18, he entered Cornell University as a student in the College of Agriculture.

After graduating from Cornell in 1874, Comstock worked as an entomologist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 1879, he returned to Cornell as an assistant professor of entomology and invertebrate zoology. He eventually became a full professor and chair of the department.

Comstock was a prolific researcher and author. He published over 500 scientific papers and books, including his classic textbook, "An to Entomology." He also served as editor of the journal "Insect Life" for many years.

John Henry Comstock, Patriarch Of The Comstock Family Of Plant Pathologists The Comstocks Of Cornell: John Henry Comstock And Anna Botsford Comstock

Anna Botsford Comstock

Anna Botsford Comstock, John Henry's wife, was also a distinguished entomologist. She was born in 1859 in Ottawa, Canada. She met John Henry while she was a student at Cornell, and they married in 1878.

Anna Botsford Comstock was a gifted artist and writer. She illustrated many of her husband's scientific publications, and she also wrote several books of her own, including "How to Know the Butterflies" and "The Handbook of Nature Study."

Anna Botsford Comstock was a dedicated advocate for nature education. She founded the Cornell Nature Club in 1895, and she served as its president for many years. She also helped to establish the Cornell University Nature Preserve, which is now known as the Anna Botsford Comstock Outdoor Education Center.

Anna Botsford Comstock, Entomologist And Advocate For Nature Education The Comstocks Of Cornell: John Henry Comstock And Anna Botsford Comstock — Anna Botsford Comstock

John Henry Comstock Jr.

John Henry Comstock Jr., the son of John Henry and Anna Botsford Comstock, was born in 1881. He followed in his parents' footsteps and became a plant pathologist. He received his doctorate from Cornell University in 1904, and he joined the faculty of the College of Agriculture in 1905.

John Henry Comstock Jr. was a leading expert on plant diseases caused by fungi. He published over 200 scientific papers and books, and he served as editor of the journal "Phytopathology" for many years.

John Henry Comstock Jr. was also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He inspired generations of students to pursue careers in plant pathology. He retired from Cornell in 1951, but he continued to be active in research and writing until his death in 1974.

John Henry Comstock Jr., Plant Pathologist And Son Of John Henry And Anna Botsford Comstock The Comstocks Of Cornell: John Henry Comstock And Anna Botsford Comstock

Andrew Comstock

Andrew Comstock, the grandson of John Henry and Anna Botsford Comstock, was born in 1914. He also became a plant pathologist, and he joined the faculty of the College of Agriculture at Cornell in 1947.

Andrew Comstock's research focused on plant diseases caused by viruses. He was a pioneer in the development of methods to control viral diseases, and he published over 100 scientific papers and books.

Andrew Comstock was a dedicated teacher and mentor. He taught generations of students about plant viruses and their control. He retired from Cornell in 1980, but he continued to be active in research and writing until his death in 1999.

Andrew Comstock, Plant Pathologist And Grandson Of John Henry And Anna Botsford Comstock The Comstocks Of Cornell: John Henry Comstock And Anna Botsford Comstock — Andrew Comstock

The Legacy of the Comstocks

The Comstocks of Cornell have left a lasting legacy in the field of plant pathology. Their research, teaching, and extension work have helped to protect crops worldwide from disease. They have also inspired generations of students to pursue careers in plant science.

The Comstocks' legacy is preserved at Cornell University through the Comstock Hall of Science, which is named in their honor. The building houses the Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, which is one of the leading plant pathology programs in the world.

The Comstocks' legacy is also preserved through the Anna Botsford Comstock Outdoor Education Center, which provides educational programs for people of all ages about the natural world.

The Comstocks of Cornell are a remarkable family of scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of plant pathology. Their legacy of research, teaching, and extension work has helped to shape our understanding of plant diseases and has protected crops worldwide.

The Comstocks of Cornell: John Henry Comstock and Anna Botsford Comstock

by Anna Botsford Comstock

4.7 out of 5