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1 of 253523 objects
The Book of nature : or the history of insects 1758
RCIN 1057035
John Swammerdam (1637-80)
The Book of nature : or the history of insects / by John Swammerdam ; translated by Thomas Flloyd ; edited by John Hill 1758
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The Dutch scientist Jan Swammerdam was one of the first researchers to study insect metamorphosis. Using the recently-invented microscope, he proved that metamorphosis was the life cycle of a single insect rather than the rebirth of different animals. Swammerdam’s Historia Insectorum Generalis (1669) was known to Maria Sibylla Merian. This English translation of the Historia, published in 1758, was edited by the influential botanist Sir John Hill, who owned the Merian drawings in the Royal Collection before they were acquired by George III.
Full leather bound in red goat, with gilt edges.Provenance
Probably the copy listed in the inventory of George III’s library at Richmond Lodge, prior to its dispersal c. 1766. In the library of George III at Windsor by 1780.
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Creator(s)
(translator)(contributor)(publisher)Acquirer(s)
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Alternative title(s)
The Book of nature : or the history of insects / by John Swammerdam ; translated by Thomas Flloyd ; edited by John Hill.
