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Networked names: synonyms in eighteenth-century botany
1Department of History, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR, China. bdietz@hkbu.edu.hk.
History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences
|October 19, 2019
Summary
Early modern botanical nomenclature functioned as collaborative information science. Identifying plant synonyms required extensive data, international teamwork, and continuous updates, reflecting a networked scientific community.
Area of Science:
- Botany
- History of Science
- Information Science
Background:
- Pre-Linnaean botanical nomenclature lacked standardization, leading to confusion due to multiple names for the same plant species.
- The identification of synonyms was a complex process involving meticulous comparison of specimens and literature.
- This complexity necessitated a collaborative approach to botanical data management and classification.
Discussion:
- Early modern botanical nomenclature is framed as a collaborative "information science" focused on synonymy.
- The process of identifying and publishing synonyms involved significant data accumulation and continuous revision.
- Johannes Burman's work exemplifies the central role of synonymy in botanical research during this period.
Key Insights:
- Botanical synonymy in the early modern period was a dynamic, data-intensive, and collaborative endeavor.
- The networked nature of synonym identification reflects the interconnectedness of the botanical scientific community.
- Constant updates and revisions were essential due to the non-definitive nature of synonym judgments.
Outlook:
- Future research could explore the impact of digital humanities on analyzing historical botanical data.
- Investigating other historical figures involved in synonymy could reveal broader patterns of scientific collaboration.
- Understanding historical information science practices can inform contemporary data management in biodiversity studies.
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