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Historical

Gordon Wasson’s Mycological Research in the Adirondacks: Advancing Knowledge of Mushroom Taxonomy, Ecology, and Cultural Significance.

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Gordon Wasson, a renowned mycologist, spent a significant amount of time studying mushrooms in the Adirondacks during the early 20th century. Wasson’s work in the Adirondacks was instrumental in advancing our knowledge of mycology, particularly in relation to the taxonomy and ecology of mushrooms.

Wasson spent much of his time studying the edible and medicinal mushrooms that were commonly used by the local population. He was particularly interested in the relationship between mushrooms and human culture, and his work helped to establish the cultural and historical significance of mushrooms in the region. Some of the mushrooms that Wasson studied in the Adirondacks include:

  1. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): Chaga is a medicinal mushroom that grows on birch trees in the Adirondacks. It has long been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including gastrointestinal issues and inflammation.
  2. Boletus edulis: Also known as the king bolete or porcini, this mushroom is a popular edible species in the Adirondacks. Wasson’s research helped to establish the taxonomy and ecology of this mushroom, and his work has been cited in numerous studies on the species.
  3. Amanita muscaria: This mushroom is perhaps best known for its bright red cap with white spots. It is a hallucinogenic species that has been used in shamanic rituals in various cultures around the world. Wasson’s research on the cultural and historical significance of this mushroom helped to establish its role in traditional medicine and spirituality.

Wasson stayed in the Adirondacks for extended periods of time, conducting research and collecting specimens. He was particularly interested in the forests around Paul Smith’s College, where he spent much of his time studying the local ecosystem. Wasson also stayed in a cabin in the Adirondacks, where he conducted much of his research.

Wasson’s work in the Adirondacks helped to establish the region as an important location for mycological research. His studies of the local mushrooms contributed to our understanding of the taxonomy and ecology of various species, as well as their cultural and historical significance. Wasson’s legacy continues to inspire mycologists and researchers today.

References:

  1. Wasson, R. Gordon. (1955). A new Boletus from the Adirondacks. Mycologia. 47. 406-409. 10.2307/3755603.
  2. Wasson, R. Gordon. (1972). Soma: Divine Mushroom of Immortality. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
  3. Davis, R. Michael & Sommer, Robert. (2013). Kingdom Fungi. University of Michigan Press.
  4. Arora, David. (1986). Mushrooms Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi. Ten Speed Press.
Books, Observations

Gordon Wasson’s Books on Fungi in Adirondack Region: A Comprehensive Guide

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Gordon Wasson was a mycologist, writer, and ethnomycologist who was fascinated by the role of fungi in human history and culture. His work has had a profound impact on the field of mycology, and he is considered one of the most influential figures in the study of mushrooms. Here are some of Wasson’s books that explore the fungi of the Adirondack region:

  1. “Mushrooms, Russia, and History”: This book is a comprehensive exploration of the cultural significance of mushrooms across the world, including in the Adirondacks. Wasson notes the region’s rich biodiversity and the role of mushrooms in Native American cultures.
  2. “Soma: Divine Mushroom of Immortality”: In this book, Wasson explores the ancient Indian tradition of using a psychoactive mushroom called soma in religious rituals. He notes the potential link between this tradition and the use of mushrooms in Native American shamanic practices, including those of the Adirondack tribes.
  3. 1″The Wondrous Mushroom: Mycolatry in Mesoamerica”: This book examines the use of mushrooms in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures, including the Aztecs and Mayans. Wasson notes the potential connection between these traditions and those of Native American tribes in the Adirondacks.
  4. “The Mushroom, Edible and Otherwise”: This book is a comprehensive guide to identifying and using mushrooms, including those found in the Adirondacks. Wasson provides tips on foraging and cooking with mushrooms, as well as information on their medicinal properties.
  5. “The Hallucinogenic Fungi of Mexico and Psilocybin: A Bibliography”: In this book, Wasson provides a comprehensive bibliography of research on psilocybin-containing mushrooms in Mexico. While the focus is not specifically on the Adirondacks, it provides a valuable resource for those interested in the broader study of hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Overall, Wasson’s work provides a valuable perspective on the role of fungi in human history and culture, including in the Adirondack region. His books are a must-read for anyone interested in the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of this area.

References:

Wasson, G. (1989). Mushrooms, Russia, and history. Harper & Row.

Wasson, G. (1967). Soma: Divine Mushroom of Immortality. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Wasson, R. G. (1957). The Wondrous Mushroom: Mycolatry in Mesoamerica. McGraw-Hill.

Wasson, G. R. (1955). The Mushroom, Edible and Otherwise. Random House.

Wasson, R. G. (1963). The Hallucinogenic Fungi of Mexico and Psilocybin: A Bibliography. Harcourt, Brace & World.

Historical, Observations

The Legacy of R. Gordon Wasson: Exploring Fungi and Their Cultural Significance in the Adirondacks

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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.