The historical background to Fitch’s and Emmons’ publications on Homoptera is discussed. Correct publication dates and authorships of new taxa described in Fitch’s Homoptera catalogue and Emmons’ report on injurious insects are established using information derived from recently discovered Fitch manuscript notes and correspondence and from obscure government documents. Collecting data and specimen numbers are provided for types of new species of Membracidae described in Emmons’ report. Types of Homoptera described in Fitch’s catalogue are discussed briefly.