Stories from our Collections
Finding the Original Collectors of Linnaeus' Fishes
In 1771, a black man braved a storm to collect a fish that was sent to Linnaeus and is studied even today. Head of Collections Dr Isabelle Charmantier uncovers the invaluable role of unrecognised black collectors employed by Alexander Garden.
9th October 2022
A Family Feud: George Bentham's life and letters
English botanist George Bentham, past President of the Linnean Society, enjoyed a close, bittersweet relationship with his uncle, philosopher and social reformer, Jeremy Bentham, who eventually convinced George to give up the study of law for botany.
22nd September 2022
Thomas Baines and the Great Tree Aloe
During research into the provenance of Charles Darwin’s vasculum (used on the voyage of the HMS Beagle), Glenn Benson, our Honorary Curator of Artefacts, came across this sketch of ‘The Great Tree Aloe of Damara Land’ by Thomas Baines (1820–1875).
31st August 2022
Linnaeus and Liberty: the Life and Works of John Milton in the Library of Carl Linnaeus
Join our Librarian Will Beharrell as we examine three distinctly unscientific volumes from Carl Linnaeus' private library
31st July 2022
Judging a Book by its Cover: 18th-century hand-decorated papers in the Linnean Society's Collections
Artisanal hand-decorated papers were all the rage in the 18th century. Conservator Janet Ashdown combs our collections to see what examples we hold.
1st July 2022
"Before Fellowship": Celebrating Women in Natural History at the Linnean Society
This International Women's Day, we celebrate some of our scientific champions—suggested by our staff and members—from the years before 1905
4th March 2022
