Skip to content
Rhino Resource Center

The world's largest online rhinoceros library dedicated to assisting research and conservation efforts globally.

Article Article

View options

Smith, Andrew 1826. On the snakes of Southern Africa. Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal 1 (no. 2): 248-254.

On the snakes of Southern Africa

Note
Location World Subject General Species All Rhino Species

On the snakes of Southern Africa. Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, 1 (part 2): 248-254. [July-October 1826].
Facsimile in Branch & Bauer (2005: 21-27). A French translation appeared in 1829 (51). Signed “By Andrew Smith, M.D. M.W.S. [Member Wernerian Society], Assistant-Surgeon 98th Regiment, and Superintendent of the South African Museum. Communicated by the author.” It was read at a meeting of the Wernerian Society on 22 April 1826 according to a note in this paper, which is confirmed by the proceedings of the Society: “[1826, April 22] Professor Jameson then read a communication on the Snakes of Southern Africa, from Dr Andrew Smith, assistant-surgeon 98th Regiment, and superintendent of the South African Museum” (Jameson 1832: 561). The paper ends (p.254) with the promise “(To be continued”), but no subsequent parts have been found.
Smith described 6 species and 1 variety of snake. Out of these, he used new names for six taxa: Vipera armata; Naia capensis; Vipera montana; Vipera montana, variety; Naia somersetta; Elaps punctatus. Only the first name is still recognized with the name given here.

Secret Link