Richard Harlan was an American physician and naturalist born in 1796. He is best known for his work in the field of zoology and for being one of the early contributors to the study of American fauna. Harlan's research included the classification of various species, and he published several scientific papers that helped advance the understanding of wildlife in the United States. In addition to his contributions to zoology, Harlan was also involved in the medical field. He served as a professor of anatomy and surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. His dual interests in medicine and natural history made him a notable figure in both disciplines during the 19th century.