PULTENEY, Richard. Historical and biographical sketches of the progress of botany in England, from its origin to the introduction of the Linnaean system. London: T. Cadell. 1790.
8vo. 2 vols. Contemporary half brown calf, spine with gilt raised bands, gilt tools and contrasting red and green morocco gilt lettering pieces; pp. xvi, [iv], 360; [vi], 352, [34]; very good. Provenance: front pastedowns with bookplates of Alexander Baron Seton of Ekolsund (1738-1814), the Scottish owner of a large estate in Sweden.
First edition. Pulteney (1730-1801) was Linnaeus's first English biographer and in this book provides an overview of British botany from druidic times to the eighteenth century that proves how profound Linnaeus's impact was. The biographical details are still very useful and his grasp of scientific history is impressive. Pulteney's career as a physician was held back by his unpopular dissenting views; however, he was able to make a name for himself as a botanist through his advocacy of the new Linnaean system, and was elected FRS in 1762.
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