Linnaeus and Pandora’s Box

Robert Callow

Carl von Linné (1707~1778), better known as Linnaeus, was the leading naturalist of the 18th Century. He defined the concepts of genera and species and made the binomial system of classification workable. The objectivity of his system rendered it invaluable to naturalists struggling to classify the ever-increasing numbers of hitherto unknown animals and plants, collected from around the globe. Linnaeus became the undisputed authority to whom these naturalists deferred. As far as Linnaeus and his contemporaries were concerned, the very hierarchical nature of their classifications seemed to reveal the scheme of Creation. Others, notably Charles Darwin, were to interpret this evidence in a very different way. Linnaeus had unwittingly opened Pandora’s Box and, as Pandora had found to her cost, once opened the box could not be closed. In this ten-week course, we shall follow the unfolding story. Presentations will be supported with visual images. Detailed notes will be provided and discussion encouraged.

RECOMMENDED READING
Blunt, W. (2001) The Compleat Naturalist! A Life of Linnaeus. Frances Lincoln.
ISBN:0 7112 1841 2

FIRST VENUE HARPURHEY:

Date: Mondays     Time: 10.30 -12.30

10 weeks, from 14th January to 18th March, 2019

Venue:
North City Library
Rochdale Road
Manchester
M94AF

PriceConcessionsMinimum No.Maximum No.
£501030

Final date for bookings:       Advance booking is not required. Payment may be made at the first meeting.

To book, complete the MANCENT booking form and send it with payment to
Dr R.S. Callow, 60, Primrose Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 6LW
tel./fax 01457 865049       mobile:075 1327 7097           e-mail: vallesiana@aol.com

SECOND VENUE WILMSLOW:

Date: Fridays        Time: 14.00 -16.00

10 weeks, from 18th January to 22nd March, 2019

Venue:
Wilmslow Library
South Drive
Wilmslow
SK91NW

PriceConcessionsMinimum No.Maximum No.
£501030

Final date for bookings:       Advance booking is not required. Payment may be made at the first meeting.
To book, complete the MANCENT booking form and send it with payment to
Dr R.S. Callow, 60, Primrose Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 6LW
tel./fax 01457 865049       mobile:075 1327 7097           e-mail: vallesiana@aol.com