Carl Linnaeus

Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778), also known as Carl von Linné or Carolus Linnaeus, was a Swedish botanist, zoologist, and physician who formalised binomial nomenclature, the modern system of naming organisms. He is known as the "father of modern taxonomy", and is also considered one of the fathers of modern ecology.

Early life and education

Carl Linnaeus was born on 23 May 1707, in the village of Råshult in Sweden. He was the first child of Nils Ingemarsson Linnaeus and Christina Brodersonia. His father was an amateur botanist, and Linnaeus inherited his love of plants.

Linnaeus entered Lund University in 1727, but he transferred to Uppsala University in 1728. In Uppsala, he met botanist Olof Celsius who was impressed with Linnaeus's knowledge of plants and allowed him to use his library and garden.

Career

In 1732, Linnaeus led an expedition to Lapland, which greatly increased his reputation as a botanist. He published his findings in Flora Lapponica in which he described about 100 previously undescribed plants.

In 1735, Linnaeus moved to the Netherlands where he published Systema Naturae, the first edition of his classification of living things. He introduced the system of binomial nomenclature, which uses two names: the name of the genus and the name of the species.

In 1741, Linnaeus was appointed professor of medicine at Uppsala University, but he chose to teach botany instead. He transformed the Uppsala University Botanical Garden into one of the finest in the world.

Legacy

Carl Linnaeus's work laid the foundations for the modern biological naming scheme of binomial nomenclature. He is considered one of the most important scientists in history. His contributions to the biological sciences have had an enduring impact, influencing the work of countless researchers in the fields of botany, zoology, and medicine.

See also

• Binomial nomenclature
• Systema Naturae
• Taxonomy (biology)

Biographic information

Most people that visit a healthcare provider may not really know the provider as a person as most websites only list professional credentials. This is an attempt to provide the full biographic information about Carl Linnaeus not just as a provider but also a person.

Early life

• Information about Carl Linnaeus from childhood to medical school.
• Date and place of birth (and death, if applicable)

Major achievements

• Educational background
• Professional experience
• Major achievements