Welcome

A Forum for Natural History

At the Linnean Society of London we are driven by a single purpose as outlined in our first charter, 200 years ago:

The cultivation of the Science of Natural History in all its branches

Today more than ever the Society is an important contemporary organisation encouraging debate, research, publications, meetings, as well as maintaining internationally important historical collections in the biological sciences.

If you are not already a member we do hope that you will still attend our events (which are open to members and non-members alike), or use our email update service - linnean-news - to stay in touch.

Anyone interested in our work is welcome to join the Society. Those with ideas, comments, suggestions or questions are also encouraged to make contact.

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Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) recently launched "Plants for the Planet" to generate public support for plant conservation and emphasise that countries must act now to halt plant extinction. Please visit plantsfortheplanet.com if you wish to support this initiative personally.

Latest News

Darwin’s family tree re-discovered

The Galton-Darwin-Wedgwood pedigree, first exhibited in 1932, has been found in the archives of Truman State University.

Press Release Released: 24th August 2010

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Opening of Tower Room Suite

"A remarkable transformation". These were the words of the President of the Linnean Society of London, Dr Vaughan Southgate, speaking at the opening of the Society's Tower Room Suite on August 3rd 2010.

Published: 10th August 2010

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The need for evidence based conservation

Fellows and guests of the Linnean Society of London welcomed Professor Bill Sutherland from the University of Cambridge on June 17th 2010 to speak on “The need for evidence-based conservation”. This lecture was part of a series of meetings at the Society during 2010, linked to the International Year of Biodiversity.

Published: 28th July 2010

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New publication

Letters to Linnaeus

Edited by Sandra Knapp and Quentin Wheeler

What would we write today to a man who changed the face of natural science?

In 1758 Carl Linnaeus published Systema Naturae, in which he named all of life as he knew it. Over 250 years his binomial system, beautiful and powerful in its simplicity and adaptability, has enabled universal communication about nature. The letters collected in this book reveal Linnaeus’ personal impact, advances and developments in science since his death, the profound impact he has had on generations of naturalists and what we might expect in the next 250 years. The result is a fitting tribute to Linnaeus and his legacy. Letters to Linnaeus are written with individualistic humour, passion, and conviction making them a uniquely enjoyable read as well as an introduction to some of the theoretical and practical debates that surround systematic biology today.

Priced at only £15 + p&p

More information

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The Linnean Society of London is taking part in the world-wide celebrations of 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity. The diversity of life on earth is crucial for human well-being and now is the time to act to preserve it. For information on events, initiatives and exhibitions across the UK visit www.biodiversityislife.net.

Find out how the Linnean Society of London is involved in the world-wide celebration