Sherburne Friend Cook
The Aboriginal Population of the San Joaquin Valley, California
"The Aboriginal Population of the San Joaquin Valley, California" by S. F. Cook is a scientific publication written in the mid-20th century. The work offers an anthropological analysis of the indigenous populations in the San Joaquin Valley, specifically focusing on the demographic changes that occurred from pre-contact times up until approximately 1850. It is likely to be of interest to readers looking for a detailed examination of the impacts of European colonization on native tribes in California. The opening of the book sets the stage for a detailed examination of the Aboriginal population in the San Joaquin Valley and introduces the complexity of the region's demographics. Cook begins by contextualizing the geographical area and highlighting the necessity of dividing it into northern and southern parts for clearer analysis. He outlines the challenges faced in gathering accurate population estimates due to inconsistent historical records and the gradual effects of European contact on native communities. Cook emphasizes the importance of using colonial Spanish and Mexican accounts to piece together the historical demographics of various tribes, including the Yokuts, Miwok, and Mono, while addressing the significant attrition suffered by these populations before and after the Gold Rush.