The Linnaean Collections

The Linnaean Collections comprise the specimens of plants (14,000), fish (158), shells (1,564) and insects (3,198) acquired from the widow of Carl Linnaeus in 1784 by Sir James Edward Smith, founder and first President of the Linnean Society. They also include the library of Linnaeus (of some 1,600 volumes) and his letters (c. 3,000 items of correspondence and manuscripts). All are housed in a temperature and humidity controlled strongroom in the Linnean Society.

The historical nature of these collections often requires use of all specimens, printed and written material to understand the origins and taxonomic status of individual specimens. Access to specimens for historical and scientific study is available within the Society - although the collection is not made available on loan.

Appointments should be made to view the collections. Please email, write, telephone or fax the Librarian to arrange a suitable time. Please also contact the appropriate Curator, stating the purpose of your visit and listing the material you hope to examine. The Curators are always willing to provide advice as to what is held and its status. For more information see Using the Linnaean Collections.

The Society is working towards providing worldwide access to the Linnaean Collections through the Linnean Society Collections Online Programme (previously CARLS -Computerised Access to the Records of the Linnean Society Programme).