Hanna Hodacs
University of Warwick & The Center for
History of Science, KVA, Stockholm,
h.hodacs@warwick.ac.uk
Social Mobility and
the Mobility of
Science – Swedish
Naturalists in
London, 1760-1810
Daniel Solander
(1733-1782),
Solander box
“Some
Persons, perhaps, may object to the Promiscuous Assemblage of the various Subjects
here exhibited, and be ready to wish that they had been allotted in Order and Method,
according to Genus and Species, and it must be confessed, that such a Proceeding would have
proved extremely satisfactory to every true lover of Science. Such would have been highly
pleased to have seen each article named, and stand in its proper Place. But however desirable
such an Attainment might have been to a few Cognoscenti [well informed individuals] it is very
certain that the Majority of the World are not Methodists. They love Variety more than Order,
and would rather purchase Twenty different Species of Cones [sea snail genus] or Turbos [a
shell] in One Lot, than the same Number of High Admirals [shells] or Wentletraps [type of sea
snail].
Yet to gratify every Palate, Care has been take, as much as possible, to keep the Grand Classes,
and often Genera together; at least as far as Respect to Seize, Rarity, or Beauty, would allow.
And in this Disposition, there are very few Subjects but will occur again, and again; so that
almost every Person desirous of becoming a Purchaser, maybe have an Opportunity of
supplying his Wants. Whereas, in a methodical Arrangement, it must of Necessity have
frequently happened, either that a Multitude of the same Species must be sold together in One
Lot, (which very few would chose to purchase) or each Individual of that Species, must be
disposed of singly, or in Pairs; which would have multiplied the Number of Lots to such Degree
as would extend the Sale to as many Weeks, as it consists at present Days.
It is hoped however, that the Man of Science will not be altogether disappointed in the present
Arrangement of the Catalogue; for as much Pains and Care have been taken to affix the proper
classical, or generally received Names, to as many Articles as the Time and Abilities of the
Compiler would allow; it will be no great Trouble for him to cast his Eye over each Day's Sale, as
it occurs, and he will hardly fail to meet in one or more of them, with the Subjects he desires.