Introduction

M

ycological Marvels has a double meaning in this exhibit. It refers both to the wondrous world of fungi and also to the extraordinary group of mycological books found in Mann Library’s Special Collections. Mycology is the study of fungi—organisms lacking chlorophyll and most commonly found as mushrooms, mildew and molds. Some fungi provide delectable eating, but many more, in the form of fungal diseases, compete with humans for food sources. Several fungi even use us as their food supply. Fungi are what makes a tasty blue cheese blue and a creamy camembert runny. In the form of yeast, they produce beer and bread. Medically, fungi giveth—the antibiotic penicillin—and taketh away—the annoying Athlete’s Foot. It is doubtful whether any other group of organisms associated with humans play such varied roles in our lives.

The history of mycology can be seen in the array of books on the subject in Mann Library’s Special Collections. Cornell has a tradition of distinction in mycology and plant pathology, resulting in one of the country's one of the three most important collections of rare mycological books in the country. It begins with the earliest book devoted entirely to mushrooms, a 1675 Dutch treatise with an intriguing title that translates to the “Theater of Fungi.” There are also beautifully illustrated books by influential early mycologists such as Persoon, Fries and Corda. Popular guides designed to teach the public how to tell an edible mushroom from a poisonous one are represented in this exhibit by two engaging English publications: one a book, the other a case of folded posters, both designed to be easily carried on a field trip. Examples of a more modern era in mycology can be seen in Alexander Smith’s volumes with illustrations found in a fake book containing a Viewmaster and 33 reels of tiny trans-parencies. Finally, there is the ground-breaking work in ethnomycology by the Wassons which paved the way for both amateur and professional research into the use of mushrooms by different cultures in the world, including the incorporation of hallucinogenic mushrooms into sacred rituals.

Biologists continue to explore questions about basic processes that give life to the world of fungi. Mysterious, surreal, magical, repellent and delectable are just some of the words used to describe the members of this varied and fascinating kingdom. For centuries they have inspired scientists, artists, writers and cooks, and undoubtedly the secrets they reveal will further what we know on the frontier of science.