Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist (1707-1778), who laid the foundations for the modern scheme of binomial nomenclature. ALS in Latin, signed “Car. v. Linné,” one page both sides, 6.5 x 8, January 26, 1770. Handwritten letter to Johann Beckmann, professor of economics at Gottingen, who was a scientific author and the coiner of the word 'technology,' to mean the science of trades. Linnaeus comments on several recent scientific publications, referencing a number of his contemporaries, including Friedrich Wilhelm Weiss (who had recently published a dissertation whose dissertation, 'Plantae cryptogamicae florae Gottingensis'), Noël Martin Joseph de Necker, Albrecht von Haller, Louis Jean-Marie Daubenton, and the Comte de Buffon.
In part (translated): "Please give my sincere thanks to Dr. Weiss for his most beautiful opus, which pleased me greatly. It would please me that he would produce, while I am still alive, the complete work which illustrates so well this very obscure family [of plants]. Please ask the fine man to tell whether or not he is now investigating the twice blooming water flowers, and whether this phenomenon results from the decayed particles of the pants. Of all the rest of his claims, I am most convinced: perhaps, by that time even I shall be ashes.
Dr. Weiss very frequently mentions Necker's tract Floram Gallico-Belgicam, which I have not heard of, nor do I know how I may obtain this book which I greatly desire after hearing of its praises. You, yourself, likewise make mention of Martin's conchyliorum, and the Gmelini Fucorum, neither of which I had seen, nor had I heard the titles of the books before you wrote me—or of D'Aubenton, and your letter has aroused my interest. De Avibus [About Birds], is there anyone other than Buffon? You make me aware of one thing—and that is what a remote corner of the world I cling to. At the first opportunity, impelled by your request, I shall classify for you, in a letter or a treatise, the Testaceans [shell fish].
I also see that Haller's History…has been issued in three volumes in folio…I have already seen the fruiting of a Cycad, very unique, from which I have learned much." Addressed on the integral leaf in the hand of Linneaus. In very good to fine condition, with trimmed edges and some scattered staining. A rare and significant handwritten letter by the pioneering Swedish botanist.
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