The Basics
The Why Files was sifting through the United States Department of
Agriculture's Web site when we ran across this wonderful etching from The Botanical
Magazine published between 1787-1791 by William Curtis. We were attracted to the
image, not as a result of our highly advanced appreciation of art, but because of what it says about the history of science.
The Why Files was sifting through the United States Department of
Agriculture's Web site when we ran across this wonderful etching from The Botanical
Magazine published between 1787-1791 by William Curtis. We were attracted to the
image, not as a result of our highly advanced appreciation of art, but because of what it says about the history of science.
In this etching, an amaryllis is vividly depicted, devoting impressive attention to detail and observation. The corresponding text provides a wealth of information essential to botanists interested in studying this plant.
Although paradigms may change over time and new technologies are introduced almost daily, good science has always been based on careful observation and detailed records. Unchanged since the time of the great Greek philosophers, observation is unlikely to diminish in importance in the future.
Image courtesy of United States Department of Agriculture.
