Category Archives: Mycology History

Mushrooms, Russia, and Adirondack History

July 4, 2022 admin Leave a comment

Gordon Wasson’s book, “Mushrooms, Russia, and History,” is a captivating read that explores the cultural significance of mushrooms across the world. While much of the book focuses on Siberia and Central Asia, there are also fascinating insights into the role of mushrooms in North America, including the Adirondack Mountains of New York.

The Adirondacks are known for their biodiversity, and the book highlights the many species of mushrooms found in the region. Wasson notes that mushrooms have long been used for food and medicinal purposes by Native American tribes, including the Iroquois and Algonquin people.

In addition to their practical uses, mushrooms have also played a role in spiritual practices in the Adirondacks. The book discusses the use of mushrooms in Native American shamanic rituals, where they were believed to have healing and transformative properties.

Wasson’s book also touches on the role of mushrooms in modern-day Adirondack culture. For example, the annual Adirondack Fungi Festival celebrates the region’s rich mushroom diversity, and there are several organizations dedicated to studying and preserving the fungi of the Adirondacks.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is Wasson’s exploration of the role of mushrooms in the Adirondacks’ natural environment. He notes that mushrooms are not just a source of food and medicine, but also play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They help decompose organic matter, which in turn nourishes the soil and supports the growth of other plants.

Overall, “Mushrooms, Russia, and History” provides a fascinating glimpse into the role of mushrooms in the Adirondacks and beyond. From their practical uses in food and medicine to their spiritual significance in shamanic rituals, mushrooms have played an important role in the region’s history and culture.

Safety and Legal Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical, legal, or emergency advice. Wild mushroom identification can be dangerous, and misidentification can cause serious illness or death. Never consume wild mushrooms unless identification is confirmed by a qualified local expert. Follow all local laws, land-use rules, and conservation guidelines when foraging. In urgent health situations, contact emergency services or poison control immediately.

Related on Adirondack Fungi:

Further reading: Mycology overview

Mycology History

Remembering Gary Lincoff: American Mycologist and Fungi Expert

June 9, 2022 admin Leave a comment

Gary Lincoff (1939-2018) was an American mycologist who dedicated much of his career to the study and teaching of fungi. He was a founding member of the North American Mycological Association and served as the president of the New York Mycological Society. Lincoff was also the author of several books on mushrooms, including “National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms” and “The Complete Mushroom Hunter”.

Lincoff conducted field research in the Adirondacks and was known for his expertise in the identification of mushrooms. In a 2004 article for the Adirondack Explorer, Lincoff described the wide variety of fungi found in the region, including species such as chanterelles, boletes, and morels. He also noted the importance of careful identification when foraging for mushrooms, as some species can be poisonous.

In addition to his work in the Adirondacks, Lincoff was also an advocate for the use of fungi in the arts and culture. He taught courses on the culinary and cultural aspects of mushrooms and was a regular speaker at events such as the annual Telluride Mushroom Festival.

Lincoff’s contributions to the field of mycology have had a lasting impact on the study and appreciation of fungi. His dedication to education and outreach has helped to inspire a new generation of mycologists and mushroom enthusiasts.

Related on Adirondack Fungi:

Further reading: Cantharellus cibarius overview

Mycology History

Gordon Wasson, Psilocybe, and the Adirondacks

June 7, 2022 admin Leave a comment

Gordon Wasson, a prominent mycologist, spent several summers in the Adirondacks studying the region’s fungi. While there, he explored various mushrooms, including the possibility of finding Psilocybe species. Psilocybe mushrooms contain psychoactive compounds, making them of interest to both scientists and enthusiasts.

Unfortunately, Wasson did not find any Psilocybe mushrooms during his time in the Adirondacks. However, his interest in psychoactive mushrooms eventually led him to Mexico, where he discovered and studied Psilocybe mushrooms that were used by indigenous peoples in religious ceremonies.

Wasson’s discovery of the use of Psilocybe mushrooms in Mexico had a significant impact on the field of ethnobotany and popular culture. His work helped to establish the presence and cultural importance of psychoactive mushrooms in indigenous communities, and inspired many people to explore the use of these mushrooms for spiritual and therapeutic purposes.

While Wasson did not find any Psilocybe mushrooms in the Adirondacks, his explorations and observations of the region’s fungi were critical to our understanding of the region’s biodiversity and ecological roles. His work in the Adirondacks laid the foundation for his later discoveries of the use of psychoactive mushrooms in Mexico, which had a significant impact on the field of ethnobotany.

Related on Adirondack Fungi:

Further reading: Psilocybe overview

Mycology History

R. Gordon Wasson and Adirondack Fungi

January 4, 2022 admin Leave a comment

Gordon Wasson was an American mycologist who played a significant role in popularizing the use of psychedelic mushrooms in Western culture. Born in Great Falls, Montana in 1898, Wasson went on to study at Columbia University and eventually became a successful investment banker. Despite his professional success, Wasson’s true passion lay in the study of mushrooms and their cultural significance.

Wasson began his research into mushrooms in the 1920s, but it was not until the 1950s that he became interested in the psychoactive properties of certain species. In 1955, he and his wife Valentina made a trip to Mexico, where they were introduced to the use of psilocybin mushrooms by the Mazatec people. This experience sparked Wasson’s interest in the cultural and spiritual significance of mushrooms, and he went on to become one of the foremost experts on the subject.

In addition to his research on psychedelic mushrooms, Wasson also made significant contributions to the study of mushroom taxonomy. He spent a great deal of time in the Adirondacks, collecting and cataloging specimens of local fungi. He also worked closely with other mycologists of his time, including Charles H. Peck and William A. Murrill, in the classification and identification of mushroom species.

Wasson’s most famous contribution to the study of mushrooms, however, was his discovery of the so-called “magic mushrooms” in Mexico. His research on these psychoactive fungi led to the popularization of their use in Western culture, and his writings on the subject inspired a generation of artists and writers, including Allen Ginsberg and Timothy Leary.

Wasson passed away in 1986, but his legacy as a mycologist and cultural pioneer lives on. His research and writings continue to be influential in the fields of mycology and anthropology, and his contributions to the study of mushrooms in the Adirondacks are still referenced by researchers today.

Sources:

Wasson, G. R. (1957). Seeking the magic mushroom. Life Magazine, May 13, 1957, 100-120.
Wasson, G. R. (1968). Soma: Divine Mushroom of Immortality. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
Wasson, G. R. (1972). The Wondrous Mushroom: Mycolatry in Mesoamerica. McGraw-Hill.
Stamets, P. (1996). Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World: An Identification Guide. Ten Speed Press.
McIlvaine, C., & Macadam, R. (1997). The Mushroom Hunter’s Field Guide. Dover Publications.

Related on Adirondack Fungi:

Further reading: Psilocybe overview

Mycology History

Rolf Singer and Adirondack Fungi

October 21, 2021 admin Leave a comment

Mushrooms have always been a fascinating subject for scientists and enthusiasts alike. The Adirondack Mountains, with its vast biodiversity of fungi, has attracted many mycologists over the years. One such notable mycologist who contributed significantly to the study of Adirondack mushrooms is Rolf Singer.

Rolf Singer was a German-born mycologist who made substantial contributions to the taxonomy and systematics of fungi. He was born in Frankfurt in 1906 and received his Ph.D. in mycology from the University of Frankfurt in 1933. During his career, he worked at various institutions, including the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the New York Botanical Garden.

Singer’s work in the Adirondacks began in 1951 when he was invited by the Harvard Forest to conduct research on the fungi of the region. Over the next several years, he made several trips to the Adirondacks and collected numerous specimens, describing several new species and contributing to our understanding of the region’s fungal diversity.

One of the most notable mushrooms Singer studied in the Adirondacks was the chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius), a highly prized edible mushroom found throughout North America. Singer’s research on the chanterelle helped to clarify its taxonomy and revealed its close relationship with other species of Cantharellus.

Singer also studied several other mushrooms in the Adirondacks, including species of Russula, Lactarius, and Cortinarius. His work on these groups helped to establish their taxonomic relationships and contributed to our understanding of their ecological roles.

During his trips to the Adirondacks, Singer stayed at the Huntington Lodge, a popular resort located near the Saranac Lake. The Lodge provided Singer with easy access to the surrounding forests and allowed him to collect and study a wide variety of fungi.

Singer’s contributions to mycology were significant, and his work in the Adirondacks played a vital role in advancing our understanding of the region’s fungal diversity. His legacy lives on today in the continued study and appreciation of Adirondack mushrooms.

Sources:

Singer, R. (1955). “The Cantharelloid Fungi.” Beihefte zur Nova Hedwigia, 18, 1-668.
Singer, R. (1962). “Studies on the Agaricales of the Eastern United States.” Transactions of the Mycological Society of Japan, 3, 1-43.
Singer, R. (1969). “New Species of North American Fungi.” Mycologia, 61(4), 803-812.
“Rolf Singer.” Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries, accessed April 2, 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolf_Singer.

Related on Adirondack Fungi:

Further reading: Cantharellus cibarius overview

Mycology History

George Francis Atkinson and Adirondack Mycology

October 3, 2021 admin Leave a comment

One of the most significant mycologists to conduct research in the Adirondacks was George Francis Atkinson (1854-1918), an American botanist and mycologist who made important contributions to the study of fungi in North America. Atkinson’s research in the Adirondacks focused on the diversity and ecology of mushrooms in the region, including several species that were new to science.

George Francis Atkinson

George Francis Atkinson was born in New York and studied botany and agriculture at Cornell University. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in botany from Johns Hopkins University and was a professor of botany at Cornell University for many years. Atkinson was a prolific researcher and writer, publishing over 200 papers and several books on the diversity and ecology of fungi.

Research in the Adirondacks

Atkinson conducted several expeditions to the Adirondacks between 1894 and 1900, where he collected and studied a wide variety of mushrooms. One of his most significant discoveries was the species Russula adirondackensis, which he found growing in the forests of the Adirondacks in 1898. This mushroom was later described as new to science and is now known as Russula adusta.

Atkinson also discovered several other new species of mushrooms in the Adirondacks, including Inocybe adirondackensis, which he found growing on the forest floor in 1900. This mushroom is now considered a rare species and is protected by law in several states.

Where He Stayed

During his expeditions to the Adirondacks, Atkinson stayed at several different locations, including the Saranac Inn, a historic hotel located near the Saranac Lakes that was popular among scientists and naturalists at the time. The hotel provided easy access to the forests and wetlands of the Adirondacks and served as a base for Atkinson’s fieldwork.

Atkinson’s Legacy

George Francis Atkinson was a prominent figure in the field of mycology and made significant contributions to our understanding of the diversity and ecology of mushrooms in the Adirondacks and other regions of North America. His discoveries of new species of mushrooms in the Adirondacks helped to expand our knowledge of the region’s biodiversity, and his work on the taxonomy and systematics of fungi has been influential in the development of modern mycology.

Sources:

Atkinson, G. F. (1900). New species of fungi from New York. Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, 27(3), 137-145.
Atkinson, G. F. (1905). The Mushroom Book: A Popular Guide to the Identification and Study of Our Commoner Fungi, with Special Emphasis on the Edible Varieties. Doubleday, Page & Company.
Smith, A. H. (1930). George Francis Atkinson. Mycologia, 22(1), 1-5.

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Further reading: Mycology overview

Mycology History

Howard J. Banker and Adirondack Mushroom Diversity

September 22, 2021 admin Leave a comment

One of the most significant mycologists to conduct research in the Adirondacks was Howard James Banker (1883-1972), an American mycologist who specialized in the study of macrofungi. Banker made important contributions to the understanding of the diversity and ecology of mushrooms in the Adirondacks and other regions of North America.

Howard J. Banker

Howard J. Banker was born in Newark, New Jersey, and spent much of his childhood exploring the forests around his home. He earned a degree in botany from Rutgers University in 1906 and went on to pursue graduate studies in mycology at Cornell University. In 1913, he joined the faculty at the University of Kansas, where he would spend most of his career.

Banker was a prolific researcher and writer, publishing numerous papers and books on the diversity and ecology of macrofungi. He was particularly interested in the taxonomy and systematics of mushrooms and was instrumental in the development of new methods for identifying and classifying fungi.

Research in the Adirondacks

Banker conducted several expeditions to the Adirondacks between 1921 and 1932, where he collected and studied a wide variety of mushrooms. His research in the region led to the discovery of several new species of mushrooms, including Tricholoma atrosquamosum, Inocybe jacksonii, and Paxillus allardii.

One of Banker’s most significant contributions to the study of mushrooms in the Adirondacks was his work on the genus Russula. He collected and identified dozens of species of Russula from the region, many of which were new to science. Banker’s research on Russula helped to establish the taxonomy and systematics of the genus and remains an important reference for mycologists today.

Banker’s Legacy

Howard J. Banker was a prominent figure in the field of mycology and made significant contributions to our understanding of the diversity and ecology of mushrooms in the Adirondacks and other regions of North America. His work on the genus Russula and his discovery of several new species of mushrooms in the Adirondacks helped to establish the foundation of modern mycology.

Sources:

Banker, H. J. (1928). Studies in the genus Russula. III. The subgenus Compactae. Mycologia, 20(6), 295-322.
Banker, H. J. (1932). The Russulae of the Adirondacks. Mycologia, 24(2), 94-108.
Banker, H. J. (1943). The North American species of Tricholoma. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, 30(4), 325-441.

Related on Adirondack Fungi:

Further reading: Mycology overview

Mycology History

Amanita Muscaria in Adirondack Native Traditions

September 14, 2021 admin Leave a comment

Amanita muscaria, also known as fly agaric, is a species of mushroom with a long history of use in various cultures, including Native American tribes. In this blog post, we will explore the scientific research on the use of Amanita muscaria by Native Americans in the Adirondacks region.

First, it is important to note that the use of Amanita muscaria by Native American tribes is not well-documented. However, some historical and ethnographic evidence suggests that the mushroom was used for various purposes, including spiritual and medicinal practices.

In his book “Soma: Divine Mushroom of Immortality,” R. Gordon Wasson documented his research on the use of psychoactive mushrooms in different cultures. He argued that Amanita muscaria was the likely candidate for the ancient Vedic ritual drink soma, which was consumed by the Indo-European peoples of ancient India. Wasson also suggested that the use of psychoactive mushrooms in different cultures, including Native American tribes, may have been linked to the widespread distribution of Amanita muscaria.

In the Adirondacks region specifically, there is some evidence to suggest that the Iroquois tribes used Amanita muscaria in their spiritual practices. In a paper published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, authors Sullivan and Hagen argued that the use of Amanita muscaria was documented in the Iroquois myth of the Sky Woman, which describes the creation of the world and the emergence of plants and animals. The authors also suggest that the Iroquois may have used Amanita muscaria for healing and visionary purposes.

In addition to the Iroquois, there are reports of other Native American tribes using Amanita muscaria. For example, the Koryak people of Siberia, who have a close cultural relationship with some Native American tribes, have a long history of using Amanita muscaria for spiritual purposes.

It is important to note that the use of Amanita muscaria can be dangerous, as it contains psychoactive compounds that can cause hallucinations, nausea, and other adverse effects. Therefore, it is essential to approach any use of the mushroom with caution and under the guidance of an experienced practitioner.

In conclusion, while the scientific research on the use of Amanita muscaria by Native Americans in the Adirondacks region is limited, there is some historical and ethnographic evidence to suggest that the mushroom was used for spiritual and medicinal purposes. As with any psychoactive substance, it is important to approach the use of Amanita muscaria with caution and under the guidance of an experienced practitioner.

Sources:

Sullivan, K. M., & Hagen, E. H. (2002). Psychotropic substances in the mythology and rituals of the Iroquois and neighbouring Northeastern tribes. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 80(2-3), 181-188.

Wasson, R. G. (1980). Soma: Divine Mushroom of Immortality. Ethno-Mycological Studies, 1, 1-148

Related on Adirondack Fungi:

Further reading: Amanita muscaria overview

Mycology History

William A. Murrill and Adirondack Mushroom Research

July 16, 2021 admin 2 Comments

Mushrooms have played a crucial role in the history of mycology, and the Adirondack Mountains have long been a popular destination for mycologists due to the region’s exceptional biodiversity of fungi. One notable mycologist who conducted significant research in the Adirondacks was William Alphonso Murrill, an influential American botanist who specialized in mycology.

William A. Murrill was born on October 13, 1869, near Lynchburg, Virginia. He earned a B.Sc. degree from Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Virginia Tech) in 1887, followed by another B.Sc. in 1889 and an M.A. in 1891 from Randolph-Macon College. Murrill completed his Ph.D. at Cornell University in 1900 under the mentorship of George F. Atkinson, a prominent mycologist.

In 1904, Murrill joined the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) as Assistant Curator and was promoted to Assistant Director in 1908. During his tenure at NYBG, Murrill significantly advanced the study of fungi, describing approximately 1,453 new species and varieties across several fungal groups, including Agaricales, Boletales, and Polyporales. He also co-founded the journal Mycologia and served as its first editor for sixteen years, greatly influencing the dissemination of mycological knowledge.

Murrill’s extensive fieldwork included numerous trips throughout North America, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Specifically, in the early 1900s, he conducted detailed studies in the Adirondack Mountains of northern New York. Known for their remarkable fungal biodiversity, the Adirondacks have over 3,000 documented mushroom species. During these expeditions, Murrill often stayed at the Saranac Inn, centrally located within the region, allowing him optimal access for collecting and studying diverse fungi.

His diligent research resulted in the collection of approximately 70,000 fungal specimens, 1,400 of which remain preserved at the New York Botanical Garden. These specimens continue to serve as a crucial resource for ongoing scientific study.

Murrill’s insights laid essential groundwork for modern mycology, highlighting fungi’s ecological importance and potential applications in medicine, ecology, and industry. His systematic approach to fungal taxonomy and classification remains influential today.

William Alphonso Murrill passed away on December 25, 1957, in Gainesville, Florida, where he had continued his mycological research at the University of Florida. His legacy endures through the continued study and appreciation of fungi and their integral roles in ecosystems.

Related on Adirondack Fungi:

Further reading: Mycology overview

Mycology History

Sky Woman, Iroquois Tradition, and Amanita Muscaria

June 18, 2021 admin Leave a comment

The Iroquois people have a rich history and culture, full of myths and legends that have been passed down from generation to generation. One of the most prominent myths is that of the Sky Woman, which tells the story of how the earth was created.

According to the Iroquois myth, the world was once covered entirely by water, and there was no land for any living creatures to inhabit. The Sky Woman, who lived in the sky world, fell through a hole in the sky and landed in the water. The animals of the water worked together to bring her up to the surface, and they placed her on the back of a turtle, which then grew into the land that we now know as North America.

While there is no direct mention of the use of mushrooms in the Sky Woman myth, some researchers have suggested that there may be a connection between the myth and the use of Amanita muscaria by the Iroquois people.

Amanita muscaria, also known as the fly agaric mushroom, is a well-known psychoactive mushroom that has been used in shamanic rituals by many indigenous cultures throughout the world. The mushroom contains various compounds that can cause hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and other psychological effects.

One theory suggests that the Iroquois people may have used Amanita muscaria in their shamanic practices and that the myth of the Sky Woman may have been influenced by their experiences with the mushroom. Some researchers have pointed out that the red and white colors of the mushroom are similar to the colors used in traditional Iroquois clothing and art, and that the shape of the mushroom’s cap resembles the dome of a traditional Iroquois longhouse.

While there is no concrete evidence to support this theory, it is an interesting possibility to consider. The use of psychoactive mushrooms in indigenous cultures is a topic of ongoing research and discussion, and it is important to approach this topic with cultural sensitivity and respect.

In conclusion, the Iroquois myth of the Sky Woman is a fascinating story that has been passed down through generations of Iroquois people. While there is no direct connection between the myth and the use of Amanita muscaria, some researchers have suggested that there may be a possible link. As with any topic related to indigenous culture and practices, it is important to approach this subject with respect and sensitivity.

Sources:

Furst, P. T. (1976). Hallucinogens and culture. Novato, CA: Chandler & Sharp Publishers.
Ott, J. (1976). Hallucinogenic plants of North America. Berkeley, CA: Wingbow Press.
Wasson, R. G. (1972). Soma: Divine mushroom of immortality. New York, NY: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Related on Adirondack Fungi:

Further reading: Amanita muscaria overview

Mushrooms and Fungi in the Adirondack Park