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Claude Mélançon

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Claude Mélançon
Born1895
Died1973
NationalityCanadian
Awardshonorary doctorate (UdeM), Pierre-Chauveau Medal, medal of Royal Society of Canada, recipient of Academic Palms, named an Officer of Order of Canada and toponymy Claude-Mélançon Ecological Reserve
Scientific career
FieldsNatural sciences
Notable studentsNatural sciences vulgarization

Claude Mélançon (1895-1973) was a Canadian naturalist who worked in the popularization of natural sciences. He is recognized as a Quebec pioneer in the popularization of science.[1] Mélançon was very prolific as a naturalist, lecturer, and author (novelist and journalist). He was very active in many circles interested in natural sciences.

Career

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Mélançon was a member of the Canadian Society of Natural History (in French: Société canadienne d'histoire naturelle) and the Zoological Society of Quebec (in French: Société zoologique de Québec).[2]

Main published works

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His main works, several times republished, are entitled:

  • Par terre et par eau (By land and by water); 25 editions published between 1900 and 1956 in French;
  • Inconnus et méconnus (sur les amphibiens et reptiles) (Unknown and misunderstood (on amphibians and reptiles)); 10 editions published between 1950 and 1996 in French;
  • Nos animaux chez eux (portant sur les mammifères) (Our animals at home (on mammals)); 29 editions published between 1934 and 1988 in French;
  • Charmants voisins (portant sur les oiseaux) (Charming Neighbors (covering birds)); 32 editions published between 1940 and 2006 in 3 languages;
  • Les poissons de nos eaux (Fishes in our waters); 30 editions published between 1936 ans 2006 in French.[1]
  • Indian Legends of Canada; 25 editions published between 1967 and 1986 in French and English;
  • Percé et les oiseaux de l'Ile Bonaventure; 14 editions published between 1963 and 1974;
  • Mon alphabet des villes du Canada; 2 editions published in 1944 in French;
  • Mon alphabet des villes du Québec; 2 editions published in 1944 in French.[3]

Toponyms "Claude Mélançon"

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Created in 1988, the Claude-Mélançon Ecological Reserve have been named in recognition of his great contribution in the public sphere to the popularization of the natural sciences.[1][4]

In 2005, the city of Montreal adopted the toponymic designation "Parc Claude-Mélançon" in his memory. This relaxation park is located on rue Saint-Christophe in the borough of Ville-Marie.[5]

A recreational park in the city of Boucherville has been named after him.[2]

Notes and references

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