Smithson's Gamble explores the early years of the Smithsonian Institution from 1836 to 1906, detailing efforts to collect specimens and sponsor explorations. Author Tom D. Crouch reveals intriguing anecdotes, including how the iconic Smithsonian Castle served as a non-ideal home, being disliked by its first secretary, Joseph Henry. The book also recounts a tragic North Pole expedition where accusations of murder arose and highlights the dangerous realities faced by early Smithsonian scientists, many of whom met untimely deaths while conducting their work in the field.
Though it has long functioned as the Smithsonian's administrative offices, the famous building known as the Castle previously served as living quarters for the institution's first secretary and his family.
In 1871, explorer Charles Francis Hall and naturalist Emil Bessels set off on a North Pole expedition, which the Smithsonian was involved in.
In the 19th century, working for the Smithsonian was a pretty dangerous thing,
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