[Born at Rœshult, in Sweden, 1707. Died at Upsal, in Sweden, 1778.
Aged 71.]
A botanist, even at school, where he neglected his books in order to
collect plants in the fields. His father, in despair, apprenticed him to
a shoemaker. With eight pounds in his pocket, he went to Upsal, to study
for the medical profession. Here he was appointed botanical lecturer in
the University. Thence he was despatched to Lapland on a botanical
expedition, and it is said he travelled 3,500 miles with no more than
ten pounds. Finally became Professor of Medicine at Upsal, and
Superintendent of the Botanical Gardens. Published, besides his great
_Systema Naturæ_, many works on natural history, and a book on _Materia
Medica_ and nosology. He invented a new system of classification,
founded upon the sexes of plants, which reigned in the science till
superseded by the natural system of Jussieu. In person below the middle
height, strong, and muscular. His head large; his look ardent and
piercing; his features agreeable and animated. Vanity his greatest
foible; yet few men have shown greater boldness, zeal, and activity, in
the pursuit of science. His love of nature seemed a religious devotion
of the heart. His library and _herbarium_ were purchased for 1000_l._ by
Sir James Edward Smith, and are now in the possession of the Linnæan
Society of London.