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Columbus State University

Of Mammoths, Mastodons, Megalonyxes, And The Nation: Jefferson And The Question Of American Degeneracy, 1780-1812

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>Thomas Jefferson ranks among the most famous and most studied presidents, but few historical studies have focused on his scientific endeavors, particularly his work in natural history. By analyzing several of his writings, including the <em>Notes on the State of Virginia</em> and letters that pertained to mammoths and megalonyxes, this thesis explores the interrelationship between science and politics, especially in the context of nationalism. The emphasis Jefferson placed on the American <em>incognitum</em>—what would eventually be identified as the mastodon—reflected the emerging national consciousness of the future United States of America</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
History
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
History and Geography
Year dc:date.available
2015

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Cameron, Marlena B.
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Dr. Ilaria Scaglia
  • Dr. Daniel Van Kley
  • Ms. Katharine Cannella

Subjects

dc:subject × 9

Rights

Language dc:language
English

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:csuepress.columbusstate.edu:theses_dissertations-1173

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Columbus State University
Base URL
csuepress.columbusstate.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Cameron, Marlena B.. Of Mammoths, Mastodons, Megalonyxes, And The Nation: Jefferson And The Question Of American Degeneracy, 1780-1812. Thesis thesis, 2015. https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/173