The French naturalist and scientist Mayeul Grisol arrived in Venezuela at the end of the 19th century to conduct studies and research on its wildlife. Upon arriving, he was captivated by the overwhelming beauty of the tropical landscape. He decided to stay and explore much of the country. However, most of his studies focused on the fauna of the Caracas Valley. In one of his writings, he expresses his astonishment at seeing so many butterflies of varied shapes and striking colors that filled the air above Antímano and Petare. Fortunately, Venezuela preserves the results of his studies, compiled in seven volumes. These contain typed notes and illustrations, as well as pen and watercolor drawings, relating to each species described and studied. We believe these manuscripts were never published and remain completely unpublished to this day. Among the titles that make up Grisol's collection are *History of the Mammals of Venezuela* (1929); *Album of the Lepidoptera of South America*, Volumes I and II (1930); Nocturnal Lepidoptera of Venezuela (1930); Insects harmful to agriculture (1936); Album of Orthoptera and Hemiptera of Venezuela (1937).
But who was this French traveler who made our country his second home? Mayeul Grisol was an Officer of the French Academy of Fine Arts, a Member of the French Entomological Society, and a member of the Society of Apiculture and Insectology in General. He was also in charge of a Scientific Mission for the Paris Museum of Natural History. Without a doubt, this scientist's work represents an extraordinary contribution to Venezuela, one that should be disseminated through the publication of his valuable studies, for consultation by researchers, scientists, naturalists, students, and all those interested in this subject. But let us pause to read what Grisol tells us in one of his notes: “For 48 years of my life have been dedicated body and soul to the analysis and study of the national fauna; combating the parasites and diseases that decimate cattle and horses; studying how to exploit the incredible and boundless riches with which this privileged territory has been endowed by God.” Caracas, 1929. These manuscripts can be consulted in the Rare Books and Manuscripts collection of the National Library of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
