Arthur O. Tucker (1945-2019)
Dr. Arthur O. Tucker was a botanist specializing in the identification and chemistry of plants of flavor, fragrance, and medicine. He was Research Professor in the College of Agriculture and Related Sciences of Delaware State University as well as co-founder and Director of the Claude E. Phillips Herbarium.
Image Credit: The Truth About Mints - Mother Earth Living
WHY TUCKER?
Starting as a volunteer at the Mertz Library in 2022, I work on a project to review the 90,000 library reprint holdings. Many reprints involve intricacies of plants. Then I encountered Dr. Arthur O. Tucker. His work covers the botanical spectrum from the academic to the popular. His academic contributions are reflected in his investigations of Mentha along with his encyclopedic compendium of herbs. His work emphasizes preserving botanical heritage with the study of rare plants. He translated his professional knowledge into an exciting form for a nonprofessional audience, showing the historical importance of botany in everyday life with a touch of wry humor.
- Robert Lanson
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This display has been created by Robert Lanson under the guidance of Samantha D’Acunto, Senior Manager for Public Service Operations and Library Reference. They would like to acknowledge help and support from: Sandi Harris (Volunteer), Barrie Hedge (Volunteer), Kelsey Miller (Head Conservator), Robert F.C. Naczi, Ph.D. (Arthur Cronquist Curator of North American Botany), Stephen Sinon (William B. O’Connor Curator of Special Collections, Research and Archives) and Catherine Stephens (Conservator).
