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Our
First 100 Years
Nutting's investigations, unusual for a scientist of that time in land-bound Iowa, were primarily directed to marine biology. He published extensively for both the University and Smithsonian Institution on marine hydroids. In all, Nutting described 124 new species, and produced a beautifully illustrated three-volume monograph on American hydroids, a classic of its kind. The Museum also received its first significant donations of birds and mammal specimens under the curatorial stewardship of Nutting. In 1886 both William Temple Hornaday and Dr. Asa Horr donated their personal collections. One of the most significant private collections secured by Nutting was that of Daniel H. Talbot. Expeditionary work was the basis for Charles Nutting's scientific reputation. For over 30 years he organized, directed, and participated in a series of University expeditions which collected specimens for support of his taxonomic research as well as public display. Nutting recognized the value of an interested public's attention to and support of his work. The Museum of Natural History served not only as a repository but also as a public window to scientific research. Shrewdly, Nutting gave equal attention to the development of popular exhibits. By 1894 Nutting's exhibits--systematic series of specimens crowded together in glass-topped cases--were a popular campus attraction: "We as students of the University are very justly proud of our Museum, and when friends come to visit us that is one of the first places to which we think of taking them." (Vidette Reporter, 4/7/1894)
Of the various expeditions initiated during Nutting's tenure, the 1893 Bahama-Dry Tortugas Islands expedition led by Nutting, Frank Russell's one-man expedition to the Canadian Arctic in 1892-94, and the 1911 Laysan Island expedition headed by Homer Dill have been particularly well-documented. more about the Museum expeditions and photos continued part 4: Housing the Expanding Museum Excerpts from: Schrimper, G. D. "The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History: An Historical Perspective" Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science 99(4):86-97, 1992.
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Charles
C. Nutting, who had come to the University as a graduate student under
Calvin, was appointed curator of the Cabinet of Natural History and Instructor
of Natural Science in 1886. He served as curator of the Museum (renamed
in 1887 from the earlier "Cabinet") for the next 41 years. With
Samuel Calvin and Thomas Macbride, Nutting was part of the "great
triumvirate" of University of Iowa naturalists who explored the entire
realm of natural science. His primary research interest was in the taxonomy
and geographic distribution of animals. In 1889 he was named head of the
newly organized Department of Systematic Zoology. 
