Alexander Lawson, a Scotch engraver, came to America in 1792. He soon became recognized as perhaps the foremost early American craftsman in his art. His work covered a wide field of subject matter, but was outstanding in fine plates of birds, shells, and other natural history subjects. (Coll. 79.) He engraved many fine plates for early Academy publications.

This collection contains a biography of Lawson assigned tentatively to his daughter, Malvina, which was published in The Auk v. 43, p. 57-61. Pasted in this biography is an original water color miniature portrait of Lawson by the famous artist, Thomas Birch. Also short typescript biographical sketch, and a photostat of engraving of Shakespeare, by Lawson.