Constantine Samuel Rafinesque-Schmaltz - Transylvania University, Lexington, KY
N 38° 03.094 W 084° 29.621
16S E 719910 N 4214502
Constantine Samuel Rafinesque-Schmaltz, botanist, writer, evolutionist, translator, teacher and lover, supposedly buried under the steps of the University's administration building. But is the body his?
Waymark Code: WM2FZ1
Location: Kentucky, United States
Date Posted: 10/27/2007
Views: 67
If this isn't enough, consider Rafinesque's place in the history of Transylvania University (Lexington, Kentucky). He was a botany professor there and according to the record was fired for either spending too much time with the University president's wife, or not showing up for class. Neither would be considered errors worthy of dismissal in today's climate. Nevertheless, he gained a degree of notoriety which has been perpetuated to today. Even a seven-year curse is attributed to him, the week prior to Halloween is dedicated to him, a secret society may or may not still function in his name and the university grill is named after him.
The body buried under the stairs is said to not even be his body at all.