Polyhistorian Arthur Thesleff, the visionary mycologist
Journal: Työväentutkimus Vuosikirja
Year: 2020

Arthur Thesleff became acquainted with various fields in his research. He is best known worldwide as an expert on Romani people’s culture, being the president of the International Gypsy Lore Society 1911–1913. He is also known for setting up a Finnish colony (Colonia Finlandesa) in Misiones, Argentina. In particular, maté (Ilex paraguariensis) was cultivated. At most 112 immigrants lived in the area, but the soil was not suitable for agriculture and the project failed. A less well-known fact is