Author
John Wesley Powell
1834-1902
John Wesley Powell (1834-1902) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by John Wesley Powell
Canyons of the Colorado
"Canyons of the Colorado" by John Wesley Powell is an account first published in 1875 and revised in 1895. It chronicles the first recorded expedition by white men through the Grand Canyon in 1869, a three-month journey down the Green and Colorado rivers through unexplored southwestern canyon country. Powell and his crew faced near-drownings, lost supplies, and departures of several members, yet produced the first detailed descriptions and maps of this vast, unknown landscape.
Indian Linguistic Families of America, North of Mexico Seventh Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1885-1886, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1891, pages 1-142
"Indian Linguistic Families of America, North of Mexico" by John Wesley Powell is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the diverse languages spoken by the indigenous tribes of North America, offering a comprehensive analysis of their classifications and relationships. The book likely appeals to those interested in linguistics, anthropology, and the understanding of indigenous cultures within America. At the start of the book, the author discusses the complexities surrounding the study of Native American languages, highlighting the historical interactions between tribes and the influence of European settlers which led to language borrowing and the development of intertribal jargons. Powell outlines the difficulties faced by researchers, including the vast number of linguistic families and the confusing overlaps due to cultural exchanges. He proposes a need for a standardized nomenclature to better classify and analyze these languages, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of linguistic families and their geographical distributions throughout North America.
Report on the lands of the arid region of the United States, with a more detailed account of the lands of Utah
"Report on the Lands of the Arid Region of the United States" by John Wesley Powell is a scientific report published in 1878. Powell examines the arid western United States, challenging prevailing theories about rain patterns and settlement practices. He proposes cooperative communities, watershed-based political borders, and communal irrigation districts to develop the region sustainably. The report established Powell as a leading authority on the West and influenced the creation of the United States Geological Survey, though his vision for orderly development faced resistance from speculators and Congress.
First through the Grand Canyon : $b Being the record of the pioneer exploration of the Colorado River in 1869-70
"First through the Grand Canyon" by Major John Wesley Powell, edited by Horace Kephart, is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book details Powell's adventurous exploration of the Colorado River in 1869-70, an expedition that unveiled the breathtaking yet treacherous landscapes of the Grand Canyon. Powell, a one-armed Civil War veteran, alongside his crew, embarked on a daring journey that traversed through uncharted territories, revealing not only natural wonders but also the challenges of navigation and survival. The opening of the narrative sets the stage for the expedition, describing the mystical and fearsome nature of the Colorado River and its infamous canyons, which were largely unexplored until Powell's venture. It introduces Powell as both a scientist and a pioneer, intrigued by the river's mysteries after previous studies and confronts the peril associated with descending its depths. As the group prepares to embark on their journey from Green River City, the stage is set for a tale filled with suspense, exploration, and the spirit of adventure as they navigate the unpredictable waters and rugged landscapes of the American West. The opening portions paint a vivid picture of their initial encounters with nature's raw beauty and the daunting challenges that lie ahead for this early band of explorers.
Sketch of the Mythology of the North American Indians First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1879-80, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1881, pages 17-56
"Sketch of the Mythology of the North American Indians" by John Wesley Powell is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores the philosophical underpinnings and mythological narratives of various Native American tribes, delving into their explanations of natural phenomena through mythic lenses. Powell's study reveals how each culture interprets the cosmos through their mythology, ultimately contributing to our understanding of the evolution of human thought. At the start of the publication, Powell outlines the essential elements of mythology as a philosophical approach, contrasting it with scientific thought. He emphasizes humanity's innate need to question the natural world and how this leads to the development of different philosophies across cultures. The opening also touches on the broad spectrum of myths among Native American tribes, illustrating how their narratives emerge from personal experiences and communal beliefs about the forces of nature. Powell’s analysis encourages readers to appreciate the depth of Native American mythologies and their significance in shaping cultural identity and philosophical thought.
On Limitations to the Use of Some Anthropologic Data
"On Limitations to the Use of Some Anthropologic Data" by John Wesley Powell is a scientific publication that was likely written in the late 19th century. The book critically examines the use of anthropological data, particularly in the context of North American archaeology, mythology, and the understanding of Indigenous cultures. Powell addresses misconceptions and methodological challenges faced by researchers in the interpretation of anthropological evidence. In this work, Powell explores various aspects of human anthropology, including archaeological findings, pictographs, language, mythology, and social structures among Indigenous tribes. He argues against the hasty generalizations made about these groups and emphasizes the need for careful differentiation between tribes due to their unique languages, customs, and histories. Powell critiques the speculative use of data connecting Indigenous peoples to ancient civilizations and stresses the importance of understanding each culture within its specific context, cautioning researchers to avoid overgeneralization and misinterpretation of anthropological evidence. The writing serves as both a guide and a cautionary tale for scholars in the field.
On the Evolution of Language First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1879-80, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1881, pages 1-16
"On the Evolution of Language" by John Wesley Powell is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book examines the development and complexity of language through a detailed analysis of Indian languages, focusing on the grammatical processes and structures that have emerged over time. It aims to provide insights into how languages evolve and differentiate their components. Powell's work explores various grammatic processes such as combination, vocalic mutation, intonation, and placement, detailing how these processes contribute to the structure and meaning of language. He discusses how words combine to create new meanings and how grammatical elements like nouns, verbs, and adjectives interact within sentences. By analyzing Indian languages, Powell argues that their linguistic organization is less specialized than that of more developed languages, showcasing their distinctive features. The study ultimately seeks to draw comparisons between the grammatical structures of Indian tongues and those of more widely recognized languages, shedding light on the universal patterns and unique characteristics inherent in language evolution.
Wyandot Government: A Short Study of Tribal Society Bureau of American Ethnology
"Wyandot Government: A Short Study of Tribal Society" by John Wesley Powell is a detailed anthropological account written in the late 19th century. This publication provides an in-depth examination of the social and political structures of the Wyandot tribe, focusing on their unique system of kinship and governance. The book elucidates how the Wyandots organized their society into distinct groups, such as families, gentes, phratries, and tribes, and situates these within the broader context of Native American tribal governance. The content of the book explores the intricacies of Wyandot social organization, outlining how their government is composed of councils and chiefs, including the roles of men and women. Powell elaborates on the functions of civil government, the significance of kinship ties, marriage regulations, and the rights and responsibilities of individuals within the society. He emphasizes the importance of communal practices in cultivation and the duty of each gens to protect its members. The text also discusses types of crimes recognized by the Wyandots and the procedures for adjudication, as well as their military governance, providing a comprehensive view of how this tribal society functioned cohesively while preserving cultural values and rights.