Butterfly, Insects of North America (1824–1828)

Thomas Say (1787-1833) was an American naturalist, entomologist, and conchologist, considered the father of American descriptive entomology. Born in Philadelphia, Say was a founding member of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. He made significant contributions to the classification of insects and mollusks, and his work laid the foundation for future entomological studies in the United States. Say accompanied expeditions to the frontier territories of Indiana, Missouri, and the Rocky Mountains, where he made extensive collections of new animal species. Despite facing financial difficulties and health problems, Say continued his scientific work until his death in 1833.