SMITH, James Edward. An Introduction to Physiological and Systematical Botany.

Bringing Linnaeus to Britain

SMITH, James Edward. An Introduction to Physiological and Systematical Botany. London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown. 1814.

8vo. Contemporary half calf with marbled sides, spine with raised bands, gilt rules and dark green gilt morocco lettering-piece; pp. xxiv, 407, [1 (advertisements)], 15 copper-engraved plates; front hinge cracked but holding; a little occasional spotting, previous owner’s inscription to title-page, very good; 1821 ownership inscription of Eleanor Ker, East Bolton, to title.

Third edition of this proselytising work by the founder of the Linnean Society, James Edward Smith (1759–1828).

Smith was instrumental in spreading the popularity of Carl Linnaeus after the great naturalist’s death. In 1784, after Sir Joseph Banks turned down the chance to buy Linnaeus’s entire collection of books, manuscripts and specimens, Smith borrowed £1000 from his father, purchased the archive, and used it to found the Linnean Society, now the world’s oldest natural history society. This work is a continuation of his proselytising campaign. It introduces to the general reader the idea of botany as a science, underpinned by the work of Linnaeus and rigorous as an academic discipline. It is also an excellent survey of plant anatomy, taken structure by structure, and includes some charming plates.

Provenance: 1821 ownership inscription of Eleanor Ker (later Eleanor Gray, c. 1802–1861), here aged nineteen. Her father, General Walter Ker, was an unsuccessful claimant to the Dukedom of Roxburghe as heir to Robert Ker, 1st Earl of Roxburghe; the seven-year legal battle left Ker in financial ruin.

SKU: 2122299