The first edition of Carl Linnaeus' Species Plantarum (1753) is one of the most important books in the history of the biological sciences. This two-volume work is part of a large and complex catalogue of publications by Linnaeus, including the better known Systema Naturae, which classifies and names zoological species. For botanists, the publication of Species Plantarum is the start of the naming system we still use today - genus and species, or the binomial - that underpins our understanding of plant diversity.
The importance of this work is not merely limited to naming and describing plants, algae and fungi, it is also the basis of our knowledge of plants of economic, medicinal and aesthetic value to humanity. Species Plantarum and Linnaeus' personal herbarium contain both the information and the physical specimens upon which our understanding of important plants such as rice, foxglove and tomato are founded upon. Our honorary curator of botany, Dr Mark Spencer, will explore this importance, and examine the relationship between Linnaeus plant collecting and his writings.
The Linnean Society works to inform, involve and inspire people of all ages about nature and its wider interactions through our collections, programmes and publications. Founded in 1788, the Society takes its name from the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778).
www.linnean.org
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