"Making Friends on the Field Friendship and Excursions in 18th
Century Linnaean Natural History"
Hanna Hodacs,
University of Warwick
&
Centre for the History of Science,
at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm
h.Hodacs@warwick.ac.uk
Interior of a Laboratory with an Alchemist.
David Teniers II. Oil on canvas, 17th Century
Eddleman Collection, CHF.
Alchemist. Thomas
Wijck (Beverwijck
1616–1677 Haarlem),
Holland, 17th Century,
Oil on panel
The Alchemist.
Francois-Marius
Granet. Oil on
canvas, 18th
century.
Frederik Seidelin in Peter Forsskål’s
authograp book (”stambok”)
“When we learn about the nature of things, we are freed
from superstition and fear of death, we are not confused
by ignorance from which often gruesome images of
horror rise. In addition, our characters are improved,
when we learn what nature demands. An imminent trip
prevents me from enjoying your pleasant company, noble
and learned Mr Forsskål, you rare and loveable friend!
Such are the terms of academic life, you have to leave the
one you love. I have written these words in your book, in
memory of our unvarnished friendship.
Your ardent companion and insect collector,
Frederik Seidelin