A General View of the Writings of Linnaeus: To Which is Annexed the Diary of Linnaeus, Written by Himself, and Now Translated into English, from the Swedish Manuscript in the Possession of the Editor

Carl Linnaeus (1707-88), father of modern taxonomy, was one of the most important scientists of the eighteenth century. This biography was written by Richard Pulteney (1730-1801), a physician and botanist who greatly admired Linnaeus’ methods and aimed to promote them in England. The first edition was published in 1781 and contains a thorough account of the major works of Linnaeus and his unpublished papers. As well as details of his academic career, the work also gives insights into Linnaeus’ character and personal life. The second edition, reissued here, was edited by William George Maton (1774-1835), a physician and member of the Linnean Society, and published in 1805. It contains in addition a memoir of Pulteney and a translation of a Swedish life of Linnaeus based on his own notes. The book is a rich source of information on a central figure in the history of botany.