Conrad Gesner
Conrad Gesner | |
|---|---|
 Portrait of Conrad Gesner | |
| Born | March 26, 1516 Zürich, Old Swiss Confederacy |
| Died | December 13, 1565 Zürich, Old Swiss Confederacy |
| Nationality | Swiss |
| Known for | Historiae animalium, Bibliotheca universalis |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Natural history, medicine, bibliography |
Conrad Gesner (March 26, 1516 – December 13, 1565) was a Swiss physician, naturalist, bibliographer, and philologist. He is best known for his work in natural history and for compiling one of the first modern encyclopedias, the Bibliotheca universalis. Gesner's contributions to the fields of zoology, botany, and bibliography were pioneering and laid the groundwork for future scientific endeavors.
Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]
Conrad Gesner was born in Zürich, in the Old Swiss Confederacy. He was the son of a poor furrier, but his academic talents were recognized early on. Gesner attended the Carolinum in Zürich and later studied at the University of Basel, where he developed an interest in classical languages and natural sciences.
Career[edit | edit source]
Gesner's career was marked by his diverse interests and prolific output. He practiced medicine in Zürich and was appointed as a professor of natural history at the University of Zürich.
Historiae animalium[edit | edit source]
One of Gesner's most significant works is the Historiae animalium, a comprehensive encyclopedia of animals published in several volumes between 1551 and 1558. This work is considered one of the first modern zoological works and includes detailed descriptions and illustrations of known animals, as well as mythical creatures.
Bibliotheca universalis[edit | edit source]
Gesner's Bibliotheca universalis (1545) was an ambitious attempt to catalog all known books in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. It is considered one of the first modern bibliographies and was a monumental achievement in the organization of knowledge.
Contributions to Botany[edit | edit source]
Gesner also made significant contributions to botany. He collected and described numerous plant species, and his work laid the foundation for later botanical studies. His interest in plants was not only scientific but also practical, as he sought to understand their medicinal properties.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Conrad Gesner's work had a lasting impact on the fields of natural history and bibliography. His meticulous approach to cataloging and describing the natural world set new standards for scientific inquiry. Gesner's influence extended beyond his lifetime, inspiring future generations of scientists and scholars.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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