Character Catalog

Foundational work that classifies the entire animal, plant, and mineral kingdoms. Revised twelve times during Linnaeus's lifetime, it became the basis of modern taxonomy.

First work to systematically apply binomial nomenclature to all known plant species. It constitutes the official starting point of botanical nomenclature.

Work describing the distinguishing characteristics of all known plant genera. It established the foundations of botanical classification by genera.

Theoretical manual that codifies the rules of plant nomenclature and description. It served as a reference for several generations of botanists.

Inventory of the plants of Lapland, the result of the 1732 expedition. The work also contains ethnobotanical observations on the uses of plants by the Sami people.

Complete catalogue of the plants of Sweden, a model national flora that inspired similar works throughout Europe.

The zoological counterpart to Flora Suecica, this work inventories and classifies all animals known in Sweden according to the Linnaean system.

In the preface to the tenth edition, Linnaeus writes: "Deus creavit, Linnaeus disposuit" (God created, Linnaeus organized), thus summarizing his ambition to bring order to the entire natural world according to a rational system.

This work systematically applies binomial nomenclature to all known plant species. Linnaeus describes approximately 7,300 species, each designated by a genus name followed by a species name.

Linnaeus describes the plants discovered during his expedition to Lapland and notes: "I have seen the midnight sun, and the plants that bloom only under this perpetual light." The work also documents the uses of plants by the Sami people.

Linnaeus establishes the fundamental rules of botanical nomenclature: "The name of each plant must be composed of two words: the first designates the genus, the second the species." This principle remains in force today.

Linnaeus's birthplace, where the family rectory and his first garden awakened his passion for botany. The childhood home is today a museum.

Linnaeus studied and then taught here for more than thirty years, transforming the botanical garden into a scientific centre of European renown. It was here that he trained dozens of disciples sent to explore the world.

A country estate acquired by Linnaeus in 1758, where he would retreat in summer to work and receive his students. His personal collection and private museum were housed there.

Linnaeus obtained his doctorate in medicine at Harderwijk in 1735 and stayed in Leiden, where he published his first major works thanks to the support of botanist Boerhaave and patron Clifford.

The destination of his 1732 expedition, where Linnaeus discovered Arctic flora and fauna. This five-month formative journey established his reputation as a naturalist explorer.

Linnaeus assembled one of the largest herbariums of his time, containing approximately 14,000 specimens of dried and pressed plants. This herbarium, preserved in London by the Linnean Society, remains a worldwide scientific reference.

An indispensable instrument for observing the details of flowers and insects. Linnaeus used it daily to examine the reproductive organs of plants, which formed the basis of his classification system.

During his expeditions, Linnaeus meticulously recorded his observations in notebooks. Those from the Lapland expedition contain sketches, notes, and descriptions of new species.

Linnaeus brought back from Lapland a traditional Sami costume which he wore proudly and in which he had himself painted. This garment symbolised his Nordic adventure and his passion for exploration.

A tool consisting of two wooden boards tightened with straps, used to flatten and dry plant specimens. It was the basic equipment of every field botanist in the 18th century.

Linnaeus designed a garden-clock project where each bed corresponded to an hour, with flowers opening and closing at precise times of day. This concept illustrated his keen sense of observation of nature.