Virginia's Contribution to Science.

The article discusses scientists and scientific achievements of Virginia. The author suggests that the lack of recognition of Virginia's role in scientific development may be due to its rural nature. Minister and naturalist John Banister published papers on insects and plants of Virginia. Naturalist Mark Catesby collected specimens during a visit to Virginia. Botanist John Clayton identified plant life in Virginia and became president of a Virginia philosophical society. Inventor James Rumsey constructed and patented a steam-powered boat. Scientist Edmund Ruffin developed agricultural innovations such as marl fertilizers, five-field crop rotation and drainage.