Linnean Society of London

The Society uniquely embraces the entire sweep of biology, and particularly biological diversity and evolution. Most of its membership, whether professional or amateur, is concerned with biological systematics or taxonomy, which involves the examination and collation of a wide range of scientific evidence from such fields as genetics, ecology, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and palaeontology and impinges on related disciplines in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, geology, medicine, parasitology and veterinary science where accurate identification is essential to any research. This, coupled with the recognition of the importance of systematic biology research to biodiversity conservation, means that as it moves into its third century, the Linnean Society continues to play a central role as the urgency and magnitude of the task of documenting the world’s flora and fauna is recognised. Our library, for example, is comprised of some 40,000 monographs dating from 1483 to the present, focusing on plant and animal identification and classification, evolutionary biology and the history of natural history. Meetings are held on a wide variety of subjects pertaining to biology - and we encourage both professional scientists and members of the public to attend. If you are not already a member we do hope that you will still attend our events (which are open to members and non-members alike), or use our e-mail up-date service - linnean-news - to stay in touch. Anyone interested in our work is welcome to become part of the Society. Those with ideas, comments, suggestions or questions are also encouraged to make contact. We do hope that you will consider applying to become a Fellow or Associate.