John Ray, Naturalist
His Life and Works

This superb biography reviews the pivotal contributions of a brilliant but undervalued naturalist who profoundly influenced the development of science.

Charles Raven (Author)

9781108004664, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 July 2009

528 pages, 1 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 3 cm, 0.77 kg

This biography of John Ray, the seventeenth-century naturalist, was first published in 1942 at the height of the Second World War. It was written by Charles Raven, an eminent theologian who shared Ray's deep respect for intellectual integrity, honest exploration of the natural world, and the value of both theology and scientific endeavour. More than a superb history, this offers an opportunity to reassess the pivotal contributions of a brilliant but often undervalued scientist. Ray's major publications were written in Latin; Raven's linguistic skills – coupled with his passion for natural history – made him ideally suited to interpret Ray's scientific legacy. Raven reviews Ray's academic and scientific careers in the context of the dramatic social upheavals of his time. He evaluates the remarkable long-term and widespread influence of Ray's work on the development of science, alongside the significance of his final book, The Wisdom of God.

Preface
Introduction
1. Boyhood and youth
2. At Cambridge University
3. First studies in science
4. The Cambridge Catalogue
5. The years of travel
6. The English Catalogue
7. The years of varied output
8. The structure and classification of plants
9. The History of Plants
10. The flora of Britain
11. Last work in botany
12. The Ornithology
13. The History of Fishes
14. Of mammals and reptiles
15. The History of Insects
16. Of fossils and geology
17. The Wisdom of God
Conclusion
Index.

Subject Areas: Botany & plant sciences [PST]