American Bryological and Lichenological Society
Encyclopedia
The American Bryological and Lichenological Society is an organization devoted to the scientific study of all aspects of the biology
of bryophytes and lichen
-forming fungi and is one of the nation's oldest botanical organizations. It was originally known as the Sullivant Moss Society, named after William Starling Sullivant
. The Society publishes a quarterly journal distributed worldwide, The Bryologist
, which includes articles on all aspects of the biology of mosses, hornworts, liverworts and lichens.
Annie Morrill Smith
was a central figure in the organization in the early years, contributing much time, energy, and money. She was editor or associate editor of The Bryologist
for ten years, and changed the name to the Sullivant Moss Society.
Biology
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
of bryophytes and lichen
Lichen
Lichens are composite organisms consisting of a symbiotic organism composed of a fungus with a photosynthetic partner , usually either a green alga or cyanobacterium...
-forming fungi and is one of the nation's oldest botanical organizations. It was originally known as the Sullivant Moss Society, named after William Starling Sullivant
William Starling Sullivant
William Starling Sullivant was a US bryologist.He was the son of Lucas Sullivant and Sarah Starling. He studied at Ohio University at Athens, Ohio. He made Bachelor of Arts in 1823 at Yale.Sullivant became the leading expert on mosses and liverworts of his time...
. The Society publishes a quarterly journal distributed worldwide, The Bryologist
The Bryologist
The Bryologist is a peer reviewed scientific journal specialising in bryology. It is published quarterly by the American Bryological and Lichenological Society . It began as a department of the Fern Bulletin devoted to the study of North American Mosses. Its first editor was Dr. A.J...
, which includes articles on all aspects of the biology of mosses, hornworts, liverworts and lichens.
History
The Society was founded in 1898, and was first known as the Sullivant Moss Chapter. It was founded by Elizabeth Gertrude Britton and Abel Joel Grout.Annie Morrill Smith
Annie Morrill Smith
Annie Morrill Smith was a botanist and bryologist from Brooklyn. She was a largely self-taught amateur who became important to the Sullivant Moss Society. From 1906 to 1911 she acted as the sole editor of The Bryologist...
was a central figure in the organization in the early years, contributing much time, energy, and money. She was editor or associate editor of The Bryologist
The Bryologist
The Bryologist is a peer reviewed scientific journal specialising in bryology. It is published quarterly by the American Bryological and Lichenological Society . It began as a department of the Fern Bulletin devoted to the study of North American Mosses. Its first editor was Dr. A.J...
for ten years, and changed the name to the Sullivant Moss Society.