Walcott in Albany, New York: James Hall's "Special Assistant"

Abstract

C. D. Walcott was associated with James Hall in Albany, New York, from 1876-1879, although for at least seven of these 33 months he was in the field. During most of this interval he was a "special assistant" working at both the New York State Museum and Hall's private laboratory, and publishing papers as directed by Hall. Walcott spent two long field seasons collecting Middle Paleozoic fossils, and in spite of his activity was abruptly discharged by Hall. Throughout his stay in Albany, Walcott pursued research interests of his own, after regular working hours. Walcott learned a great deal of paleontology during his time in Albany, probably more from study of the fossil collections and Hall's library than from direct conversation with Hall, for he considered Louis Agassiz his mentor. In July, 1879, Walcott joined the new U. S. Geological Survey and rose to be Director of that agency, subsequently becoming Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Perhaps the most important thing Walcott learned in Albany was how to lobby legislators for science, a skill he honed throughout his subsequent career.