John Leonard Riddell facts for kids
John Leonard Riddell (born February 20, 1807 – died October 7, 1865) was a very busy and smart person from the United States. He was a science teacher, a plant expert (botanist), a rock expert (geologist), a doctor, a chemist, and someone who studied tiny things with a microscope. He also collected coins (a numismatist) and wrote science fiction stories!
John was born in Leyden, Massachusetts. He earned his first degrees, a B.A. and M.A., from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Later, he became a medical doctor (M.D.) at Cincinnati College in 1836.
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John Riddell's Life and Work
Before becoming a doctor, John Riddell went to Marietta, Ohio. There, he studied with Dr. Hildreth at Marietta College. Since there weren't many jobs for science teachers or plant experts, he put ads in local newspapers. He offered to collect plants for sale.
Early Plant Discoveries
John Riddell later published one of the first collections of plants from Ohio. He was a professional botanist, meaning he studied plants for a living. He gave these plant samples to Marietta College. Sadly, the plants themselves were not kept well and are now gone. However, the lists of the plants he found still exist!
Teaching and Inventions
John Riddell taught science in different cities like Ogdensburg, New York, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati. From 1836 until he passed away in 1865, he was a Professor of Chemistry. He taught at the Medical College of Louisiana, which is now Tulane University, in New Orleans.
While in New Orleans, he invented something amazing. He created the first useful microscope that let people see objects with both eyes. This was a big step forward for science! In 1850, he also did one of the first big studies in America using a microscope to look at cholera, a serious illness.
Science Fiction and Public Service
John Riddell even wrote a science fiction story. It was about a made-up former student named Orrin Lindsay. In the story, Orrin traveled to the moon and even to Mars!
After exploring plants in Texas, he got an important job. He became the melter and refiner at the New Orleans Mint. This is where coins are made. President John Tyler confirmed his position after a disagreement at the Mint. He was also made the Postmaster of New Orleans. He kept this job even during the Civil War, even though others tried to replace him.
Involvement in Politics
John Riddell was also active in local and state politics. He claimed that he was elected Governor of Louisiana in November 1863. He said he was sworn in by a judge in January 1864. However, during this time, the military Governor George F. Shepley was still in charge. His claim to be governor was not accepted later by the government.
See also
In Spanish: John Leonard Riddell para niños
