SHNH
@sochistnathist.bsky.social
The Society for the History of Natural History | https://shnh.org.uk/
Archives of Natural History published by Edinburgh University Press | https://www.euppublishing.com/loi/ANH
Archives of Natural History published by Edinburgh University Press | https://www.euppublishing.com/loi/ANH
📢 Call for Papers! 📢
We're excited to announce that in 2026 we will again be hosting an Early Career Researcher Symposium, and that this time it will be a partnership with @linneansociety.bsky.social!🙌🏻
We'd love to hear from all ECRs, so find how to submit a proposal 👇🏻
shnh.org.uk/news/cfp-ear...
We're excited to announce that in 2026 we will again be hosting an Early Career Researcher Symposium, and that this time it will be a partnership with @linneansociety.bsky.social!🙌🏻
We'd love to hear from all ECRs, so find how to submit a proposal 👇🏻
shnh.org.uk/news/cfp-ear...
September 12, 2025 at 12:52 PM
📢 Call for Papers! 📢
We're excited to announce that in 2026 we will again be hosting an Early Career Researcher Symposium, and that this time it will be a partnership with @linneansociety.bsky.social!🙌🏻
We'd love to hear from all ECRs, so find how to submit a proposal 👇🏻
shnh.org.uk/news/cfp-ear...
We're excited to announce that in 2026 we will again be hosting an Early Career Researcher Symposium, and that this time it will be a partnership with @linneansociety.bsky.social!🙌🏻
We'd love to hear from all ECRs, so find how to submit a proposal 👇🏻
shnh.org.uk/news/cfp-ear...
Finally! Another fantastic edition of Archives of Natural History went out.
It records two previously unpublished Darwin manuscripts, details the journey of the giant panda ‘Grandma’ to Britain in 1938, and the life of Jane Dye 📜🐼🦆
Find the full journal here 👇🏻
www.euppublishing.com/toc/anh/52/1
It records two previously unpublished Darwin manuscripts, details the journey of the giant panda ‘Grandma’ to Britain in 1938, and the life of Jane Dye 📜🐼🦆
Find the full journal here 👇🏻
www.euppublishing.com/toc/anh/52/1
August 25, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Finally! Another fantastic edition of Archives of Natural History went out.
It records two previously unpublished Darwin manuscripts, details the journey of the giant panda ‘Grandma’ to Britain in 1938, and the life of Jane Dye 📜🐼🦆
Find the full journal here 👇🏻
www.euppublishing.com/toc/anh/52/1
It records two previously unpublished Darwin manuscripts, details the journey of the giant panda ‘Grandma’ to Britain in 1938, and the life of Jane Dye 📜🐼🦆
Find the full journal here 👇🏻
www.euppublishing.com/toc/anh/52/1
We're delighted to say that the winner of the William T. Stearn Student Essay Prize was Theo Detweilier.
Awarded for his very well-researched essay which offers a valuable re-evaluation of the work of Henry Baker Tristram and his interpretation of mammals in the Holy Land.
Awarded for his very well-researched essay which offers a valuable re-evaluation of the work of Henry Baker Tristram and his interpretation of mammals in the Holy Land.
August 25, 2025 at 7:35 PM
We're delighted to say that the winner of the William T. Stearn Student Essay Prize was Theo Detweilier.
Awarded for his very well-researched essay which offers a valuable re-evaluation of the work of Henry Baker Tristram and his interpretation of mammals in the Holy Land.
Awarded for his very well-researched essay which offers a valuable re-evaluation of the work of Henry Baker Tristram and his interpretation of mammals in the Holy Land.
Our Book Prize went to three people this year! 🎉
It was awarded to Malini Roy, Cam Sharp Jones and Cheryl Tipp for Animals: Art, Science and Sound.
The book brings together artworks, printed works and wildlife sounds showcasing the greatest and strangest representations of animals on record.
It was awarded to Malini Roy, Cam Sharp Jones and Cheryl Tipp for Animals: Art, Science and Sound.
The book brings together artworks, printed works and wildlife sounds showcasing the greatest and strangest representations of animals on record.
August 25, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Our Book Prize went to three people this year! 🎉
It was awarded to Malini Roy, Cam Sharp Jones and Cheryl Tipp for Animals: Art, Science and Sound.
The book brings together artworks, printed works and wildlife sounds showcasing the greatest and strangest representations of animals on record.
It was awarded to Malini Roy, Cam Sharp Jones and Cheryl Tipp for Animals: Art, Science and Sound.
The book brings together artworks, printed works and wildlife sounds showcasing the greatest and strangest representations of animals on record.
The SHNH Founders’ Medal this year went to David J. Mabberley!
To botanists, David hardly needs an introduction. He has produced over three hundred and fifty publications, ranging from plant ecology and systematics to the history of science and botanical illustration.
To botanists, David hardly needs an introduction. He has produced over three hundred and fifty publications, ranging from plant ecology and systematics to the history of science and botanical illustration.
August 25, 2025 at 7:35 PM
The SHNH Founders’ Medal this year went to David J. Mabberley!
To botanists, David hardly needs an introduction. He has produced over three hundred and fifty publications, ranging from plant ecology and systematics to the history of science and botanical illustration.
To botanists, David hardly needs an introduction. He has produced over three hundred and fifty publications, ranging from plant ecology and systematics to the history of science and botanical illustration.
We awarded the SHNH President’s Award to the ever-fantastic Caroline Cornish!
Caroline has broken new ground in revealing Kew’s colonial history, highlighting under-represented voices in Kew’s archives and collections, and increasing access and diversity in researchers using Kew’s resources.
Caroline has broken new ground in revealing Kew’s colonial history, highlighting under-represented voices in Kew’s archives and collections, and increasing access and diversity in researchers using Kew’s resources.
August 25, 2025 at 7:35 PM
We awarded the SHNH President’s Award to the ever-fantastic Caroline Cornish!
Caroline has broken new ground in revealing Kew’s colonial history, highlighting under-represented voices in Kew’s archives and collections, and increasing access and diversity in researchers using Kew’s resources.
Caroline has broken new ground in revealing Kew’s colonial history, highlighting under-represented voices in Kew’s archives and collections, and increasing access and diversity in researchers using Kew’s resources.
🚨Call for entries!🚨
We're looking for the best original, unpublished essay in the history of natural history from undergraduate & postgraduate students worldwide.
🥇£300, publication in Archives of Natural History
📅Friday 15 August
Find out eligibility & how to apply 👇🏻
shnh.org.uk/awards-honou...
We're looking for the best original, unpublished essay in the history of natural history from undergraduate & postgraduate students worldwide.
🥇£300, publication in Archives of Natural History
📅Friday 15 August
Find out eligibility & how to apply 👇🏻
shnh.org.uk/awards-honou...
July 24, 2025 at 2:04 PM
🚨Call for entries!🚨
We're looking for the best original, unpublished essay in the history of natural history from undergraduate & postgraduate students worldwide.
🥇£300, publication in Archives of Natural History
📅Friday 15 August
Find out eligibility & how to apply 👇🏻
shnh.org.uk/awards-honou...
We're looking for the best original, unpublished essay in the history of natural history from undergraduate & postgraduate students worldwide.
🥇£300, publication in Archives of Natural History
📅Friday 15 August
Find out eligibility & how to apply 👇🏻
shnh.org.uk/awards-honou...
Here we go! 🎉
We've all gathered in Glasgow, and have a full few days lined up exploring and celebrating the intersection between our senses and natural history!
From touch to temperature, it's sure to be fascinating 🪶🐌🐻❄️
We've all gathered in Glasgow, and have a full few days lined up exploring and celebrating the intersection between our senses and natural history!
From touch to temperature, it's sure to be fascinating 🪶🐌🐻❄️
June 19, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Here we go! 🎉
We've all gathered in Glasgow, and have a full few days lined up exploring and celebrating the intersection between our senses and natural history!
From touch to temperature, it's sure to be fascinating 🪶🐌🐻❄️
We've all gathered in Glasgow, and have a full few days lined up exploring and celebrating the intersection between our senses and natural history!
From touch to temperature, it's sure to be fascinating 🪶🐌🐻❄️
One week until our Summer Meeting in Glasgow! 🎉
We're looking forward to welcoming everyone who can come in person to discuss an amazing program centred on A Sense of Nature 🌺🍃
Can't make it but are still interested? How about joining online below! 👇🏻
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-sense-of...
We're looking forward to welcoming everyone who can come in person to discuss an amazing program centred on A Sense of Nature 🌺🍃
Can't make it but are still interested? How about joining online below! 👇🏻
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-sense-of...
June 12, 2025 at 9:05 PM
One week until our Summer Meeting in Glasgow! 🎉
We're looking forward to welcoming everyone who can come in person to discuss an amazing program centred on A Sense of Nature 🌺🍃
Can't make it but are still interested? How about joining online below! 👇🏻
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-sense-of...
We're looking forward to welcoming everyone who can come in person to discuss an amazing program centred on A Sense of Nature 🌺🍃
Can't make it but are still interested? How about joining online below! 👇🏻
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-sense-of...
There's still time to register for our International Summer Meeting!
We'd love you to join us as we explore how the senses interact with the history of natural history.
📅19-20 June
🏦Kelvin Hall, University of Glasgow
Register now! 👇🏻
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-sense-of...
We'd love you to join us as we explore how the senses interact with the history of natural history.
📅19-20 June
🏦Kelvin Hall, University of Glasgow
Register now! 👇🏻
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-sense-of...
May 24, 2025 at 7:38 PM
There's still time to register for our International Summer Meeting!
We'd love you to join us as we explore how the senses interact with the history of natural history.
📅19-20 June
🏦Kelvin Hall, University of Glasgow
Register now! 👇🏻
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-sense-of...
We'd love you to join us as we explore how the senses interact with the history of natural history.
📅19-20 June
🏦Kelvin Hall, University of Glasgow
Register now! 👇🏻
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-sense-of...
Sir Hans Sloane was born #OTD in 1660.
A prominent physician and naturalist, Sloane used the profits from a cotton plantation in Jamaica to amass a huge personal collection of objects that would eventually form the basis of the Natural History Museum, the British Museum and the British Library.
A prominent physician and naturalist, Sloane used the profits from a cotton plantation in Jamaica to amass a huge personal collection of objects that would eventually form the basis of the Natural History Museum, the British Museum and the British Library.
April 16, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Sir Hans Sloane was born #OTD in 1660.
A prominent physician and naturalist, Sloane used the profits from a cotton plantation in Jamaica to amass a huge personal collection of objects that would eventually form the basis of the Natural History Museum, the British Museum and the British Library.
A prominent physician and naturalist, Sloane used the profits from a cotton plantation in Jamaica to amass a huge personal collection of objects that would eventually form the basis of the Natural History Museum, the British Museum and the British Library.
In 1694 #OTD the naturalist George Ewards was born.
Known by some as the father of British ornithology, Edwards travelled through Europe producing colourful drawings of birds as he went.
He finally published A Natural History of Uncommon Birds, which was subsequently referenced by Linnaeus. (📸BHL)
Known by some as the father of British ornithology, Edwards travelled through Europe producing colourful drawings of birds as he went.
He finally published A Natural History of Uncommon Birds, which was subsequently referenced by Linnaeus. (📸BHL)
April 3, 2025 at 3:21 PM
In 1694 #OTD the naturalist George Ewards was born.
Known by some as the father of British ornithology, Edwards travelled through Europe producing colourful drawings of birds as he went.
He finally published A Natural History of Uncommon Birds, which was subsequently referenced by Linnaeus. (📸BHL)
Known by some as the father of British ornithology, Edwards travelled through Europe producing colourful drawings of birds as he went.
He finally published A Natural History of Uncommon Birds, which was subsequently referenced by Linnaeus. (📸BHL)
Pioneering entomologist & scientific illustrator Maria Sibylla Merian was born #OTD in 1647.
In 1699 Merian set off on the first-ever purely scientific expedition to the Dutch colony of Suriname, where she documented intricate plant-insect interactions with beautiful artwork and clarity.
(📸BHL)
In 1699 Merian set off on the first-ever purely scientific expedition to the Dutch colony of Suriname, where she documented intricate plant-insect interactions with beautiful artwork and clarity.
(📸BHL)
April 2, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Pioneering entomologist & scientific illustrator Maria Sibylla Merian was born #OTD in 1647.
In 1699 Merian set off on the first-ever purely scientific expedition to the Dutch colony of Suriname, where she documented intricate plant-insect interactions with beautiful artwork and clarity.
(📸BHL)
In 1699 Merian set off on the first-ever purely scientific expedition to the Dutch colony of Suriname, where she documented intricate plant-insect interactions with beautiful artwork and clarity.
(📸BHL)
Frederik Ruysch was born #OTD in 1638.
Ruysch was primarily an anatomist, experimenting with and testing new ways to preserve and embalm specimens which could then be further used for study and teaching.
But he also studied animals and was the first to describe the vomeronasal organ in snakes.
Ruysch was primarily an anatomist, experimenting with and testing new ways to preserve and embalm specimens which could then be further used for study and teaching.
But he also studied animals and was the first to describe the vomeronasal organ in snakes.
March 28, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Frederik Ruysch was born #OTD in 1638.
Ruysch was primarily an anatomist, experimenting with and testing new ways to preserve and embalm specimens which could then be further used for study and teaching.
But he also studied animals and was the first to describe the vomeronasal organ in snakes.
Ruysch was primarily an anatomist, experimenting with and testing new ways to preserve and embalm specimens which could then be further used for study and teaching.
But he also studied animals and was the first to describe the vomeronasal organ in snakes.
Swiss physician and naturalist Conrad Gessner was born #OTD in 1516.
Considered one of the fathers of modern zoology and botany, he is perhaps best known for his monumental work Historia animalium. In it, he attempted to document every known animal at that time, including a few curve balls.
(📸BHL)
Considered one of the fathers of modern zoology and botany, he is perhaps best known for his monumental work Historia animalium. In it, he attempted to document every known animal at that time, including a few curve balls.
(📸BHL)
March 26, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Swiss physician and naturalist Conrad Gessner was born #OTD in 1516.
Considered one of the fathers of modern zoology and botany, he is perhaps best known for his monumental work Historia animalium. In it, he attempted to document every known animal at that time, including a few curve balls.
(📸BHL)
Considered one of the fathers of modern zoology and botany, he is perhaps best known for his monumental work Historia animalium. In it, he attempted to document every known animal at that time, including a few curve balls.
(📸BHL)
English naturalist Mark Catesby was born #OTD 1683.
Catesby spent years on the east coast of North America studying & collecting the wildlife, eventually producing the first major account of nature in the region.
This included the first European description of the ivory-billed woodpecker.
(📸BHL)
Catesby spent years on the east coast of North America studying & collecting the wildlife, eventually producing the first major account of nature in the region.
This included the first European description of the ivory-billed woodpecker.
(📸BHL)
March 24, 2025 at 3:32 PM
English naturalist Mark Catesby was born #OTD 1683.
Catesby spent years on the east coast of North America studying & collecting the wildlife, eventually producing the first major account of nature in the region.
This included the first European description of the ivory-billed woodpecker.
(📸BHL)
Catesby spent years on the east coast of North America studying & collecting the wildlife, eventually producing the first major account of nature in the region.
This included the first European description of the ivory-billed woodpecker.
(📸BHL)
✨Conference bursary!✨
Are you a current doctoral researcher or post-doctoral researcher within 2 years of completion wanting to attend our Summer Meeting in Glasgow? We can help!
We offer bursaries for those who need it, check out the link for criteria & how to apply 👇
shnh.org.uk/a-sense-of-n...
Are you a current doctoral researcher or post-doctoral researcher within 2 years of completion wanting to attend our Summer Meeting in Glasgow? We can help!
We offer bursaries for those who need it, check out the link for criteria & how to apply 👇
shnh.org.uk/a-sense-of-n...
March 23, 2025 at 4:46 PM
✨Conference bursary!✨
Are you a current doctoral researcher or post-doctoral researcher within 2 years of completion wanting to attend our Summer Meeting in Glasgow? We can help!
We offer bursaries for those who need it, check out the link for criteria & how to apply 👇
shnh.org.uk/a-sense-of-n...
Are you a current doctoral researcher or post-doctoral researcher within 2 years of completion wanting to attend our Summer Meeting in Glasgow? We can help!
We offer bursaries for those who need it, check out the link for criteria & how to apply 👇
shnh.org.uk/a-sense-of-n...
📢Calling all natural historians!
This year our Summer Meeting is exploring the ✨senses✨
So we want to hear from you! We're looking for papers that explore the intersections of the senses - including sight, sound, smell, taste and touch - with the history of natural history.
This year our Summer Meeting is exploring the ✨senses✨
So we want to hear from you! We're looking for papers that explore the intersections of the senses - including sight, sound, smell, taste and touch - with the history of natural history.
March 8, 2025 at 11:20 AM
📢Calling all natural historians!
This year our Summer Meeting is exploring the ✨senses✨
So we want to hear from you! We're looking for papers that explore the intersections of the senses - including sight, sound, smell, taste and touch - with the history of natural history.
This year our Summer Meeting is exploring the ✨senses✨
So we want to hear from you! We're looking for papers that explore the intersections of the senses - including sight, sound, smell, taste and touch - with the history of natural history.
Botanist and entomologist Georg Dionysius Ehret was born #OTD in 1708.
Born in Germany, Ehret collaborated with many scientists across Europe, including Linnaeus and Sloane, and produced hundreds of botanical illustrations 🌱🌷🌴
The genus of flowering plants Ehretia was named in his honour 🌿
Born in Germany, Ehret collaborated with many scientists across Europe, including Linnaeus and Sloane, and produced hundreds of botanical illustrations 🌱🌷🌴
The genus of flowering plants Ehretia was named in his honour 🌿
January 30, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Botanist and entomologist Georg Dionysius Ehret was born #OTD in 1708.
Born in Germany, Ehret collaborated with many scientists across Europe, including Linnaeus and Sloane, and produced hundreds of botanical illustrations 🌱🌷🌴
The genus of flowering plants Ehretia was named in his honour 🌿
Born in Germany, Ehret collaborated with many scientists across Europe, including Linnaeus and Sloane, and produced hundreds of botanical illustrations 🌱🌷🌴
The genus of flowering plants Ehretia was named in his honour 🌿
✨A Sense of Nature✨
This year our annual International Summer Meeting will explore the intersections of the senses with the history of natural history.
📆19-20 June 2025
🏛️Kelvin Hall, University of Glasgow.
We're looking for papers that explore the sensory experiences 👇
shnh.org.uk/all-events/c...
This year our annual International Summer Meeting will explore the intersections of the senses with the history of natural history.
📆19-20 June 2025
🏛️Kelvin Hall, University of Glasgow.
We're looking for papers that explore the sensory experiences 👇
shnh.org.uk/all-events/c...
January 28, 2025 at 4:56 PM
✨A Sense of Nature✨
This year our annual International Summer Meeting will explore the intersections of the senses with the history of natural history.
📆19-20 June 2025
🏛️Kelvin Hall, University of Glasgow.
We're looking for papers that explore the sensory experiences 👇
shnh.org.uk/all-events/c...
This year our annual International Summer Meeting will explore the intersections of the senses with the history of natural history.
📆19-20 June 2025
🏛️Kelvin Hall, University of Glasgow.
We're looking for papers that explore the sensory experiences 👇
shnh.org.uk/all-events/c...
✨President's Award nominations!✨
Awarded for an individual or team’s contribution and impact in promoting and improving accessibility, inclusivity and diversity to the study of the history of natural history 🤩
Find out eligibility and how to nominate 👇
shnh.org.uk/awards-honou...
Awarded for an individual or team’s contribution and impact in promoting and improving accessibility, inclusivity and diversity to the study of the history of natural history 🤩
Find out eligibility and how to nominate 👇
shnh.org.uk/awards-honou...
January 23, 2025 at 5:28 PM
✨President's Award nominations!✨
Awarded for an individual or team’s contribution and impact in promoting and improving accessibility, inclusivity and diversity to the study of the history of natural history 🤩
Find out eligibility and how to nominate 👇
shnh.org.uk/awards-honou...
Awarded for an individual or team’s contribution and impact in promoting and improving accessibility, inclusivity and diversity to the study of the history of natural history 🤩
Find out eligibility and how to nominate 👇
shnh.org.uk/awards-honou...
🥇Founders' Medal nominations🥇
Do you know someone who has made a substantial contribution to the study of the history or bibliography of natural history?
Then how about nominating them for the SHNH's Founders’ Medal! 😍
Find out the criteria and how to nominate 👇
shnh.org.uk/awards-honou...
Do you know someone who has made a substantial contribution to the study of the history or bibliography of natural history?
Then how about nominating them for the SHNH's Founders’ Medal! 😍
Find out the criteria and how to nominate 👇
shnh.org.uk/awards-honou...
January 19, 2025 at 10:49 AM
🥇Founders' Medal nominations🥇
Do you know someone who has made a substantial contribution to the study of the history or bibliography of natural history?
Then how about nominating them for the SHNH's Founders’ Medal! 😍
Find out the criteria and how to nominate 👇
shnh.org.uk/awards-honou...
Do you know someone who has made a substantial contribution to the study of the history or bibliography of natural history?
Then how about nominating them for the SHNH's Founders’ Medal! 😍
Find out the criteria and how to nominate 👇
shnh.org.uk/awards-honou...
The latest edition of Archives of Natural History is online! 🙌
Just in time for some festive reading, it covers everything from controversial ducks 🦆👀 to the early 20C trading of African wildlife 🦁🦒
Have a peruse for yourself! 👇
www.euppublishing.com/toc/anh/51/2
Just in time for some festive reading, it covers everything from controversial ducks 🦆👀 to the early 20C trading of African wildlife 🦁🦒
Have a peruse for yourself! 👇
www.euppublishing.com/toc/anh/51/2
December 22, 2024 at 6:25 PM
The latest edition of Archives of Natural History is online! 🙌
Just in time for some festive reading, it covers everything from controversial ducks 🦆👀 to the early 20C trading of African wildlife 🦁🦒
Have a peruse for yourself! 👇
www.euppublishing.com/toc/anh/51/2
Just in time for some festive reading, it covers everything from controversial ducks 🦆👀 to the early 20C trading of African wildlife 🦁🦒
Have a peruse for yourself! 👇
www.euppublishing.com/toc/anh/51/2
🎉Early Career Researcher Symposium🎉
We're looking for papers from across the field that speak to any aspects of the history of natural history by doctoral and early-career researchers across the globe.
🗓️ Deadline: 16 December
Find out more & how to submit a proposal 👇
shnh.org.uk/news/call-fo...
We're looking for papers from across the field that speak to any aspects of the history of natural history by doctoral and early-career researchers across the globe.
🗓️ Deadline: 16 December
Find out more & how to submit a proposal 👇
shnh.org.uk/news/call-fo...
December 9, 2024 at 7:59 PM
🎉Early Career Researcher Symposium🎉
We're looking for papers from across the field that speak to any aspects of the history of natural history by doctoral and early-career researchers across the globe.
🗓️ Deadline: 16 December
Find out more & how to submit a proposal 👇
shnh.org.uk/news/call-fo...
We're looking for papers from across the field that speak to any aspects of the history of natural history by doctoral and early-career researchers across the globe.
🗓️ Deadline: 16 December
Find out more & how to submit a proposal 👇
shnh.org.uk/news/call-fo...
Hello! As everyone else is giving it a go, we thought we'd better dip our toe in too.
We're here for all your natural history needs, especially where it intersects with culture, society and history 🌱📖🦋
We're here for all your natural history needs, especially where it intersects with culture, society and history 🌱📖🦋
December 3, 2024 at 6:13 PM
Hello! As everyone else is giving it a go, we thought we'd better dip our toe in too.
We're here for all your natural history needs, especially where it intersects with culture, society and history 🌱📖🦋
We're here for all your natural history needs, especially where it intersects with culture, society and history 🌱📖🦋