LINNAEUS AND BOTANISTS IN EIGHTEENTH‐CENTURY RUSSIA

Summary There was a close interaction between Linnaeus and botanists in Russia. Linnaeus corresponded with many of them, both native Russians and foreign scholars working in Russia. Their letters illustrate the deep concern with identification which dominated botany in the eighteenth century. Through his contacts in Russia, Linnaeus acquired specimens from the earliest collections made in Russia and Siberia and was able to include them in the Species Plantarum. Linnaeus influenced the early development of modern botany in Russia through established scholars working there, and also through Russians who studied under him at Uppsala. Many dissertations reflect Linnaeus' interest in the Russian and Siberian flora. Linnaeus' published works were used in Russian medical schools and some were translated into Russian at the end of the century. Linnaeus had a high opinion of the achievements of Russian botany in the eighteenth century. Collections made throughout the Russian Empire greatly increased the knowledge of the world's flora.