Constantine Samuel Rafinesque (1783–1840)

Naturalist and archaeologist. Until 1814, called himself Rafinesque-Schmaltz, using his mother’s maiden name. Lived in Palermo, Sicily, 1805–15, where for a time he was secretary and chancellor to the American consul. Emigrated to the United States in 1815. Professor of botany, natural history, and modern languages, Transylvania University, Kentucky, 1818–26. Wrote prolifically, but his writings were erratic and his descriptions of plants and fishes often inaccurate.