Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 July 1891 — MONUMENT TO LINNAEUS. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

MONUMENT TO LINNAEUS.

This Great Botanist to Be Honored by a Statue in Lincoln Park. The monument to Linnaeus, the eminent Swedishonan of science, was unveiled on the 184th anniversary of his birth, May 23 last. Pi deed in Lincoln Park at the foot of Fullerton avenue, it has been erected by his fellowcountrymen now living in Chicago by voluntary subscription. Standing upon a heavy .granite base, the bronze stattie of the great botanist looks ouj upon the world in calm repose and dignity. The work of art is copied by C. F. Dyferman, of Stockholm, from the memorial in thaHhity by the leading sculptor of his time, Kjellberg. The bronze was cast by Otto Meyer, a resident of the Swedish capital. When entirely finished the design contemplates the addition at the base of the { pedestal of four allegorical figures, ikewise in bronze, typifying four of the sciences in which Linnaeus was distinguished, including, of course, botany and medicine. These will be

placed in position in time for the exposition of 1893. The Swedish Linnman Monument Association has been the sole/ mover in this gift to Chicago of a beautiful and enduring ornament. Of tliis r corporation Robert Lindblom is Piesident and John R. Lindgren Treasurer, the other officers comprising Ihe best-known Swedes in Chicago. Cardus Linnaeus was born in Smalund, the son of the pastor of the parish. The boy’s attention was turned toward the natural scienoes. In these he soon began to distinguish himself. In 1729 he was under the instruction of the great Celsius, for whom he lectuned at the university. He started on his famous trip through Lapland May 22, 1732, and took a long journey through Northern Europe. He published his great work, “The System of Nature,” in Holland in 1735, and lived to see the twelfth edition of that epochmarking volume greatly amplified in the hands of his fellow-scholars. “The First Piinciples of Botany” was written about this time. The next year he went to England and was invited to lecture in Oxford University. He devoted the rest of his life, however, to study, resea;ch and lecturing in the University of Sweden. In 1753 he was decorated by the King with the

Order of the Polar Star, being the first man of seience to receive that distinction. He thereupon changed his name to Carl von Linne. He died Jan. 10, 1778. His life’s work is contained in 184 volumes, and shows a great advance in thought over any of his predecessors. His temper was fiery and his habits somewhat peculiar; in summer he slept five hours a day, in winter ten.

LINNAEUS STATUE.

CARL LINNAEUS.