Dijkgraaf 2009 (Article) Mexico

The Botanical Illustrations from the Sessé and Mociño 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 Sessé y Lacasta and (from 1790) José Mariano Mociño. 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 Hernández’ (Rickett, 1947). In the 16th century Hernández was one of the first scientists to visit the new world.