Edwyn reed and his contribution to the formation of natural history collections in Chile

Abstract

The English naturalist Edwyn Reed (1841-1910) made an important contribution to the formation of Natural History collections in Chile, in the context of the creation of the first museums of Natural History in the country. This article analyzes three aspects of his legacy: first, his work as a naturalist, developed from the work previously done by other foreign scientists such as Claude Gay or Rudolph Philippi; second, his work in making cabinets of Natural History for Public High Schools (Liceos) in Chile; and third, his role as the director of Natural History Museum of Concepción and manager of the first collections of the institution. These three aspects reveal Edwyn Reed's contribution to the development of the natural sciences in Chile and to the consolidation of a collaborative global network that strengthened the museums of Santiago, Valparaíso, and Concepción.