#34: Linnean Society and Carl Linnaeus

There will be a list of people whose work students should be introduced to during their studies in Natural History. The specification will no doubt include a list of these prominent people and we will also suggest one here on the blog and in the resources that emerge for teachers using the new specification.

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) is one of the people who will appear on the list.

He is the father of modern taxonomy: a system for classifying organisms.

This New Scientist profile is a useful summary of his life and work, and the importance of taxonomy for biologists.

The Systema Naturae is another name for this.

The Linnean Society is based at Burlington House - to the left as you head towards the Royal Academy through the arch off Picadilly.

I last visited in 2019, just ahead of the lockdowns.

The Linnean Society of London is the world’s oldest active society devoted to natural history. Founded in 1788 by Sir James Edward Smith (1759–1828), who was its first President, the Society takes its name from the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778) whose botanical, zoological and library collections have been in their keeping since 1829. 

As the Society's website says:

These unique collections are of continuing fundamental importance as a primary reference for naming of plants and animals. They are enhanced by the Society's own rich library which provides key resources for scientific and cultural research.

Our vision is a world where nature is understood, valued and protected. To do this we aim to inform, involve and inspire people about nature and its significance through our collections, events and publications. Thanks to the wide ranging expertise of our Fellowship and our unique collections, we are a hub for science communication through interdisciplinary learning and engagement.

The Society encourages the debate and discussion of natural history including taxonomy, evolutionary biology and ecology. We strongly support all efforts to address some of the most urgent issues facing the natural world, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. We also support the implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We aspire to inspire by bringing together diverse communities and increasing engagement with scientists, historians, artists and all those interested in nature.