Carolus Linnus Page 1

Uppsala University

Carolus Linnus

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Carolus Linnus (Carl von Linn in Swedish) (1707-1778) is one of

the best-known Swedes internationally. Even before his 30th birthday
he had written the work that made him famous in the scientific world,
Systema Natur. There he laid the foundation of an entirely new way
of categorizing plants, based on their reproductive systems. It was an
immediate success especially because it replaced earlier systems that
were impractical and unduly complicated. His greatness lay in his
ability to systematize. God did the creating and Linnus the
arranging.

In 1741 he was appointed to a chair at the Faculty of Medicine at

Uppsala. He was also a physician and had practiced successfully in
Stockholm for some time.

He wrote a series of scientific works, but he was also a practitioner. He

undertook various research journeys within Sweden, for example to
Lapland, Scania, land, and Gotland. His observations make his travel
notes and reports an invaluable source. He was an artist in his use of
the Swedish language. Much of what he wrote can still be read today
as quality literature.

As an educator at the University, Linnus was unique. Whereas other

professors read aloud to students from books, he lectured directly to
his audience. His excursions were famous, attracting hundreds of
participants. The procession made its way into the Uppland forests and
pastures and made observations about flowers, insects, and stones.

Linnus made Uppsala renowned, since both scientists and students

from other countries found their way here and since his disciples
traveled all over the world.

Linnaeus 2007

2007 Uppsala University, P.O. Box 256, SE-751 05 Uppsala, Sweden, Phone +46 18 471
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