Plantarum Umbelliferarum distributio nova, per tabulas cognationis et affinitatis ex libro naturae observata & detecta

Description:

First edition. Text Latin. Morison developed an early systematic classification of plants and in the Preface to this work gives a statement of the principles of his method. He 'argued that plants should primarily be distinguished by the single, key principle of differences in fruit and seed characteristics. He deployed vegetative characteristics for subsidiary taxonomic purposes only and argued that this method reflected the simplicity of the divine ordering of creation, as manifested in the book of nature. Properly observed, plants would reveal the secrets of their taxonomy and their beneficial uses, which had been known to providentially inspired botanists such as King Solomon.' (ODNB). This is also the first monograph on a natural family of plants - the Umbelliferae (Apiaceae). It was intended as a specimen of a major work he was preparing, and was later incorporated into Plantarum historiae universalis oxoniensi Pars Tertia, published posthumously in 1699.

Henrey 262; Hunt 323; Nissen BBI 1441; Vines, S.H. (1913) ‘Robert Morison 1620-1683 and John Ray 1627-1705. In Oliver, F.W. (Ed.) Makers of British Botany.

Page 90 is incorrectly numbered 60.

Robert Morison (1620-1683) was a Scottish botanist. He fought on the Royalist side during the English civil war, and following their defeat, fled to France. There he devoted himself to the study of botany and was appointed director of the Royal Gardens at Blois, a position he held for 10 years. He returned to England following the Restoration in 1660, and was appointed physician to Charles II and superintendent of the Royal gardens. In 1669 he became the first Professor of Botany at Oxford.

Condition

Folio (410x260mm), rebound in modern brown half morocco, raised bands, gilt title and library shelf number to spine, but no other markings. A few plates with short marginal tears, neatly repaired, some minor spotting and marginal soiling.