This weekly seminar delves into the fascinating evolution of botany, tracing its roots from
antiquity to the early modern period in five modules: (1) We begin with the contributions of early
scholars Theophrastus and Dioscorides to the foundational principles of plant classification and
medicinal uses. (2) We examine the transmission of botanical knowledge through medieval
herbals and Islamic scholars such as Ibn al-Baitar. (3) The third module turns to the botanical
renaissance where we examine the impact of global exploration on the introduction of new plant
species. (4) Module Four investigates the pioneering contributions of Carl Linnaeus to plant
taxonomy and classification. (5) The course ends with a reflection on the cultural, economic, and
scientific significance of botany in the eighteenth century.
- Trainer/in: Gesine Katharina Madeleine Finn
- Trainer/in: Caterina Anna Schürch
- Trainer/in: Tracy Lee Wietecha