Carl Linnaeus's *Philosophia Botanica* presents the inventor's system for the scientific classification and naming of plants, a foundational step in modern biology. It introduces the binary nomenclature, now the standard method for naming species. This work is a classic in the history of science and botany, offering insight into the development of biological taxonomy.
This edition provides a complete English translation, making the original text accessible to a modern audience for the first time in centuries. Readers gain access to Linnaeus's foundational ideas regarding the organization and naming of the plant kingdom, a key contribution to the evolution of scientific study in botany.
Key concepts
- Binary nomenclature — The system invented by Linnaeus for scientifically classifying and naming plants using two terms.
- Scientific classification — The systematic arrangement of organisms into a hierarchical structure based on shared characteristics.
- History of botany — The study of the historical development of the field of botany, with this book being a key historical document.
- History of science — The study of the historical development of scientific knowledge and practices, highlighting Linnaeus's influence.