The World Of Carolus Clusius

This book is about the history of European knowledge of plants, and how Carolus Clusius changed the way people interacted with plants. He was the first scientist to study plants scientifically, and his work helped to change the way Europeans viewed plants and the natural world. Egmond does a great job of documenting all of the different aspects of Clusius's life and work, and the book is well-written and easy to read. This is a valuable addition to anyone interested in the history of science, and would be perfect for students studying the history of botany or horticulture.

Egmond investigates horticultural techniques, fashions in the collection of rare plants, botanical experimentation and methods of scientific evaluation, as well as tracking the exchange of knowledge. Central to this activity is the figure of Carolus Clusius (1526-1609), the first truly scientific botanist. This vibrant study explores the way in which European knowledge of the natural world was transformed during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. Based on a large collection of primary source material - mainly correspondence - Egmond investigates horticultural techniques, fashions in the collection of rare plants, botanical experimentation and methods of scientific evaluation, as well as tracking the exchange of knowledge. Central to this activity is the figure of Carolus Clusius (1526-1609), the first truly scientific botanist. The transformation of people's everyday experience with plants is shown through the practical manifestations of this newly found fervour: the growth of collecting, garden display and fascination with the rare and exotic. Review: 'The notes and references are thorough and this book will be a valuable addition to anyone diverted by the early history of science.' The Biologist 'it is a real triumph of this volume that it provides so much documentation on the commercial dealers and the trade connections through which plants and natural history specimens circulated around Europe.' Journal of the History of Collections 'erudite, elegant and clear' British Journal for the History of Science