We humans share Earth with 1.4 million known species and millions more
species that are still unrecorded. Yet we know surprisingly little about
the practical work that produced the vast inventory we have to date of
our fellow creatures. How were these multitudinous creatures collected,
recorded, and named? When, and by whom?
Here a distinguished historian of science tells the story of the modern
discovery of biodiversity. Robert Kohler argues that the work begun by
Linnaeus culminated around 1900, when collecting and inventory were
organized on a grand scale in natural history surveys. Supported by
governments, museums, and universities, biologists launched hundreds of
collecting expeditions to every corner of the world. Kohler conveys to
readers the experience and feel of expeditionary travel: the customs and
rhythms of collectors' daily work, and its special pleasures and pains.
A novel twist in this story is that survey collecting was rooted not
just in science but also in new customs of outdoor recreation, such as
hiking, camping, and sport hunting. These popular pursuits engendered a
wide scientific interest in animals and plants and inspired wealthy
nature-goers to pay for expeditions. The modern discovery of
biodiversity became a reality when scientists' desire to know
intersected with the culture of outdoor vacationing. General readers as
well as scholars will find this book fascinating.
