Description
The papers of Axel Leonard Melander, Academy member and entomologist, who studied insecticides, and the taxonomy of Diptera.
Included are photographs, correspondence, and a manuscript.
Background
Axel Leonard Melander was born on June 3, 1878, in Chicago, Illinois. After receiving
his B.S. in 1901 and his M.S. in 1902 from the University of Texas, he received his Sc.D.
in Entomology from Harvard in 1914. His studies focused on the development of
insecticides, immunity of insects to insecticides, the control of fruit insect pests and the
taxonomy of Diptera, a large group of insects having one pair of membranous wings,
such as fleas and mosquitoes.
Dr. Melander served as Assistant Zoologist at the University of Texas (1900-1901),
Instructor of Entomology and Assistant Entomologist (1904-1906) and Head of
Entomology and Professor (1906-1926) at Washington State University. He was Head of
Biology and Professor (1926-1943) and Emeritus Professor (1943-1962) at the City
College of New York. He was also a Research Associate with the University of
California (1934-1935).
Dr. Melander was a member of several scientific organizations including the California
Academy of Sciences (beginning in 1948). He was also President of the Entomological
Society of America (beginning in 1938).
Dr. Axel Leonard Melander died on August 14, 1948.