Description
Description of Robert Morison's Plantarum Historiae Universalis Oxoniensis
These handsome hand-colored engravings are from the work entitled Plantarum Historiae Universalis Oxoniensis by the esteemed Scottish botanist Robert Morison. Morison was the first Professor of Botany at The University of Oxford appointed in 1669, and held the regard of many learned people of Europe. He authored many works but this was one of his most important. The goal of this work was to organize the plant world into a classification system he created (Sciagraphia) based mainly on characteristics of fruits. Plantarum was received with praise and boosted his reputation among his peers, which encouraged Morison to continue. After completing only 9 out of the 15 intended classes, Morison died leaving the system unfinished. The prints for sale here are from a slightly later edition published in 1715 and feature professionally applied, modern color. They are on chain-linked paper that measures ~ 16" by 10 1/2".