Early Life and Background
Frank H. Lattin was born in Gaines, Orleans County, New York, in 1863. From a young age, he developed a profound interest in natural history, particularly ornithology and the collection of bird eggs, a popular scientific pursuit at the time known as oology. This early passion would shape his entire career and personal life.
Career as a Collector and Dealer
Lattin became an avid and skilled collector, amassing vast quantities of natural history specimens, including bird eggs, insects, minerals, shells, and taxidermy mounts. His collection was renowned for its size and diversity.
In the 1880s, Lattin transformed his hobby into a successful commercial enterprise. Operating from his home in Gaines, New York, he established a thriving mail-order business. Through his catalogs and advertisements, he sold a wide array of natural history specimens, scientific instruments, collecting supplies, and books to naturalists, students, and amateur collectors across the United States and beyond. His business played a crucial role in making natural history accessible to a broader audience.
The Oölogist Magazine
Lattin's most enduring contribution was the founding and editorship of The Oölogist (initially The Young Oölogist) in 1884. This monthly magazine quickly became a vital resource for the oological community and naturalists in general. It featured articles on bird behavior, nesting habits, and identification, as well as accounts of collecting expeditions, exchange lists for collectors, and advertisements for specimens and supplies.
The Oölogist served as a central forum for communication among naturalists, fostering a sense of community and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and specimens. It was particularly influential among young aspiring naturalists, many of whom began their scientific careers through the magazine's encouragement and resources. Lattin continued to edit and publish The Oölogist for many years, even after selling parts of his business. The magazine itself had a long run, continuing under various editors until 1947.
He also published The Young Naturalist, another periodical aimed at engaging young people in the study of nature.
Legacy
Frank H. Lattin's legacy is multifaceted:
- Popularization of Natural History: Through his mail-order business and publications, he made natural history accessible and engaging for countless individuals, inspiring a generation of amateur and professional naturalists.
- Oological Collections: His extensive collections, while eventually dispersed, contributed significantly to scientific knowledge and were acquired by various museums and private collectors, enriching their holdings.
- Community Building: The Oölogist fostered a vibrant community of naturalists, providing a platform for sharing discoveries and connecting individuals with similar interests.
Lattin passed away in 1936, leaving behind a significant impact on the field of natural history and collecting in America.