Order out of Chaos: Linnaean Plant Names and their Types Book LaunchPress ReleaseSource: Linnean Society of London and Natural History Museum, London
Published Thursday 3rd May
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A major new work from the Linnean Plant Name Typification Project entitled Order out of Chaos: Linnaean Plant Names and their Types is being launched on Wednesday 23rd May 2007. Place: The Linnean Society of London, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BF Time: 12.00 noon
The Swedish physician Carl Linnaeus introduced the system of binomial scientific naming for living organisms that is still in use today. Order out of Chaos, a co-publication between the Linnean Society of London and London’s Natural History Museum, brings together for the first time information on the type specimens associated with all of Linnaeus’s plant names.
Since 1981, hundreds of botanists around the globe have been studying names, specimens and illustrations in order to identify type specimens so that all Linnaeus’ plant names can be applied clearly and consistently worldwide. Written by Dr Charlie Jarvis, Order out of Chaos is the culmination of more than twenty-five years research. It provides a comprehensive catalogue, listing each Linnaean name, and also contains detailed accounts both of Linnaeus’ publications and those of other botanists that contributed to his understanding of plants. This landmark work will be published to mark the tercentenary of Linnaeus’ birth in May 2007.
Peter Raven, Director, Missouri Botanical Garden writes, ‘For conserving plant species, understanding them, and working with them in any way, the stability of names to which this volume makes such a singular contribution is an absolute necessity. The authorities of the Natural History Museum, London, the Linnean Society of London, Charles Jarvis and his collaborators, and the hundreds of specialists who contributed to the excellence of this volume are to be congratulated on the rich harvest of knowledge that it represents.’
For more information, photos, or to arrange interviews with Dr Jarvis and/or review copies please contact Judith Diment on +44 (0)7860 162313 or Elaine Shaughnessy, Linnean Society on +44 (0)207 434 4479.
Notes for Editors:
Binomial nomenclature: Binomial (two-word) nomenclature (naming) was applied consistently by Linnaeus to all plants in his book Species Plantarum in 1753. Plant names before were long, Latin phrases describing the plant; as more and more plants were discovered by explorers, names became very long and unwieldy. Linnaeus invented his binomial system so that names could be remembered more easily. His binomial system involved a genus name (for example Solanum) and a “trivial” (today called the species name) name (for example tuberosum). Solanum tuberosum – the scientific name for the potato – is much easier to remember than its pre-Linnaean name of Solanum caule inermi herbaceo, foliis pinnatis integerrimis! Linnaeus’ system of two-word names was quickly adopted by botanists everywhere and we still use it today to describe new species.
Type Specimen: Type specimens are very important for the stability of names. A bit like the gold standard, the type is ‘the’ specimen designated by the person describing a new species. Other specimens are used to show variability, but the type is a fixed point to which a name is tied – it is not really typical. Linnaeus did not use the type method as we do today, making it important that these fixed points be established for all his plant names.
The Linnean Society of London is the world’s oldest active biological society. Founded in 1788, the Society takes its name from the great Swedish naturalist, Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) who developed the system of binomial nomenclature. This system today provides the fundamental framework for knowledge of the biota of the Earth, supporting effective conservation measures and the sustainable use of biodiversity. The Society is the custodian of Linnaeus’ original library and collections and is creating a digital archive, enabling full global access. It encourages and communicates scientific advances through its three world-class journals, open meetings and website. The Society’s Fellowship is international and its Fellows are drawn from all walks of life including professional scientists and amateur naturalists. The Society welcomes anyone interested in natural history, in all its forms. www.linnean.org
The Natural History Museum is home to the nation’s finest collection of natural history specimens. It is one of the UK’s top visitor attractions, with more than three million people every year enjoying exhibitions, events and education programmes. The Museum has been generating knowledge about the natural world for over 250 years and is known worldwide as a leader in scientific research. The Natural History Museum collections originated in the Sloane collections on the 17th and 18th centuries, and today have grown to over 70 million plants, animals, fossils, rocks and minerals from around the world. Behind the scenes, more than 300 scientists and students use the collections in research into problems such as disease, climate change and threats to the Earth’s biodiversity. www.nhm.ac.uk |
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