Before computers, scientists and collection managers kept extensive notes in journals and notebooks. Now that much of this data has been digitized into our databases, these old journals are obsolete. But they are a charming reminder of the people that carefully wrote all of this information down, each with their unique handwriting and abbreviations.

A number of old scientific journals are still kept in our museum libraries, waiting to be digitized and transcribed. Many, like this one by Museum Director J.C. Dickinson, are part of the Museum’s history.

Before computer technology, scientists cataloged data in notebooks and journals.

Before computer technology, scientists cataloged data in notebooks and journals.

Before computer technology, scientists cataloged data in notebooks and journals.

Before computer technology, scientists cataloged data in notebooks and journals.

Before computer technology, scientists cataloged data in notebooks and journals.

Learn more about the Ornithology Collection at the Florida Museum