Albert J. Cook, Educator
Albert J. Cook (1842-1916) was a 19th century educator and writer who influenced an entire generation of American beekeepers. He served as an instructor at Michigan Agricultural College (Michigan Agricultural University) in 1866 (Michigan State University later) where he offered one of the first collegiate courses in beekeeping culture.
Cook published the first textbook on American beekeeping, The Manual of the Apiary, in 1876 based upon his lecture series. The book was an instant success. Beginning as a mere brochure, this textbook expanded through ten editions in less than a decade, growing with each edition.
Albert J. Cook, professor of zoology and entomology, established the insect collection at Michigan Agricultural College (Agricultural University of Michigan) in 1867. By 1878, the collection consisted of nearly 1,200 local specimens collected primarily used for demonstration classrooms, for comparison, and to aid in species identification for farmers Michigan.
Bibliography[]
- Manual of the apiary. Chicago: Newman & Son (1880).
- Wintering bees. Lansing: Agricultural College of Michigan (1885).
- Report of apicultural experiments in 1891. (1892).
- The Bee-Keeper's Guide; or Manual of the Apiary pp. 543. (17th ed.) Chicago: Newman & Son (1902).