Goethe's Botany

Abstract

GOETHE'S essay on “The Metamorphosis of Plants”, first published in 1790, provides a theme of recurrent interest. Yet it would probably be not untrue to say that while the majority of contemporary botanists are familiar, in a general way, with the underlying idea of this work, few have studied the original edition or had access to the English translations. Indeed, the latter are not readily accessible to the ordinary reader. By pre paring a new and critical translation, Dr. Arber has rendered a signal service to botanists. But more than that, she has rendered a service to botany, for the translation is preceded by an introduction which is a model of its kind. To those who have occupied themselves with the history of botany, particularly that relating to the last two hundred years, the introduction will indeed prove all too short. For the author has much to say that is interesting and important about the genesis and development of Goethe's idea, its intrinsic merit, its place in botanical science and, more generally, in the philosophy of biology. The aphoristic terseness and sureness of touch with which these matters are set out make it difficult to do more than emphasize the value of the new translation and introductory essay.

Goethe's Botany

The Metamorphosis of Plants (1790) and Tobler's Ode to Nature (1782). By Agnes Arber. Chronica Botanica, Vol. 10, No. 2. Pp. 63 a 126 + pl. 23–26. (Waltham Mass: Chronica Botanica Co.; London: Wm. Dawson and Sons, 1946.) 2 dollars.