Stories from our Collections
Exploring Alfred Russel Wallace's Private Library
For October's "Treasure of the Month", our Librarian Will Beharrell describes the fascinating private library of Alfred Russel Wallace and efforts to reunite it in one space after more than a century
10th October 2023
Species Plantarum at 270
Carl Linnaeus' catalogue of plant species, "Species plantarum", was published in 1753 and changed the course of botanical nomenclature. In this blog, we uncover the many unique and wonderful copies held in libraries across the world.
6th September 2023
‘Exotic Attractions’: Conserving Engelbert Kaempfer's famous publication
Conservator Janet Ashdown looks at the importance and history of Carl Linnaeus's copy of Kaempfer's famous work
8th August 2023
International Women's Day 2023: Celebrating Women in Natural History
We highlight the lives and achievements of eight women in the history of biology, suggested by our staff, Fellows, and members of the public
7th March 2023
After the Flood
Conservator Janet Ashdown takes us through the process of rescuing one of our treasures, which had become damaged by a water leak in June 2021.
11th January 2023
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
