By the 1800s, scientists recognized the value of recording accurate specimen information. To augment their own efforts, they encouraged travelers to collect and published instructions for the proper documentation and care of specimens. The Smithsonian Institution played an important role in disseminating such information.

From Papillons d'Europe by J. J. Ernst. Paris, 1779-1792.		Entomologist Terry Erwin collects insects from South American rainforests. He labels all specimens with the exact location and date of its collection, as well as his name as the collector.

A. (Adolphe) Boucard (1839-1905) How to gain from eighty to two hundred pounds sterling a year by instructive and amusing means, or, Instructions for collecting, preserving, and sending collections of natural history London: General Natural History Agency, 1871. 28 [i.e. 32] p. View enlarged images from this item: Image 1: small | large J. J. Ernst Papillons d'Europe, peints d'après nature ... Paris: Chez P. M. Delaguette [etc.], 1779-1792. 8 v. in 3 : ill. + atlases (3 v. : col. ill.). View enlarged images from this item: Image 1: small | large George Graves (fl. 1777-1834) The naturalist's pocket-book, or Tourist's companion : being a brief introduction to the different branches of natural history : with approved methods for collecting and preserving the various productions of nature London: Printed for Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown, 1818. viii, [8], 335, [1] p., 8 leaves of plates : ill. (5 col.). View enlarged images from this item: Image 1: small | large Smithsonian Institution Directions for collecting, preserving and transporting specimens of natural history Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 1859. 23 p. View enlarged images from this item: Image 1: small | large United States Naval Lyceum General directions for collecting and preserving articles in the various departments of natural history … New York: J. Post, printer, 1834. 11 p. View enlarged images from this item: Image 1: small | large Crocodiles on the Ceiling || Collecting Wonders || One Part Arsenic