Subject
Plants, Cultivated Books
Best books
Alphonse de Candolle
Origin of Cultivated Plants The International Scientific Series Volume XLVIII
"Origin of Cultivated Plants" by Alphonse de Candolle is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This extensive work explores the origins of cultivated plants, focusing on their historical cultivation, geographical spread, and the factors that contributed to their domestication. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between plants and early civilizations, engaging readers interested in botany, agriculture, and history. At the start of the book, the author introduces the subject by emphasizing the importance of understanding the origins of cultivated plants for various audiences, including agriculturists, botanists, and historians. He reflects on the complexities involved in determining the native habitats of different species and critiques historical inaccuracies regarding the origins that have persisted through time. He outlines the various methods he employs to discover and prove the origins of cultivated plants, including botanical observations, archaeological evidence, and historical records. Additionally, he discusses the need to rely on a combination of these methods to arrive at solid conclusions concerning the history and diffusion of various cultivated species.
Charles Darwin
The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication
"The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication" by Charles Darwin is a two-volume work published in January 1868. Drawing on thirteen years of breeding experiments and extensive correspondence, Darwin presents detailed observations on domesticated species—from pigeons to plants. The book also introduces his controversial theory of heredity called pangenesis, which attempts to explain how traits pass from parents to offspring. Though Darwin himself felt "nauseated" rereading his own pages, this exhaustive study laid groundwork for understanding biological inheritance and represented years of painstaking labor beyond his famous Origin of Species.
Charles Darwin
The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Vol. I.
"The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Vol. I." by Charles Darwin is a two-volume work published in January 1868. This comprehensive study presents detailed observations on domesticated animals and plants, drawing from Darwin's years of breeding experiments and correspondence with fellow naturalists. The work also introduces his controversial theory of heredity called pangenesis. Written over four years following "On the Origin of Species," the book represents Darwin's attempt to provide the detailed evidence and facts supporting his evolutionary conclusions, though he found the writing process exhausting.
Charles Darwin
The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Volume II (of 2)
"The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Volume II (of 2)" by Charles Darwin is a scientific work published in 1868. This comprehensive study examines how animals and plants change through selective breeding and domestication. Darwin presents detailed observations from years of experiments and correspondence with breeders worldwide. The work also introduces his theory of heredity called pangenesis, attempting to explain how traits pass from parents to offspring. This massive undertaking represents over four years of intensive labor, laying groundwork for Darwin's later explorations of human evolution and emotional expression.
Charles Darwin
The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication — Volume 2
"The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication — Volume 2" by Charles Darwin is a scientific work published in 1868. This comprehensive study presents detailed observations on domesticated animals and plants, documenting Darwin's extensive breeding experiments and correspondence with fellow naturalists. The work introduces Darwin's controversial theory of heredity called pangenesis, which he developed over many years. Born from material originally intended for a larger manuscript, this book represents over four years of intensive labor, combining practical experimentation with theoretical insight into how traits pass from parents to offspring.
Charles Darwin
The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication — Volume 1
"The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication — Volume 1" by Charles Darwin is a scientific work published in January 1868. This extensive study examines how animals and plants change through selective breeding and domestication. Darwin presents detailed observations from years of experiments and correspondence with breeders worldwide. The book also introduces his controversial theory of heredity called pangenesis. Written over four years of intense labor, this work represents Darwin's attempt to provide the factual foundation promised in "On the Origin of Species," though he privately worried about its reception.
Ludwig Reinhardt
Kulturgeschichte der Nutzpflanzen, Band IV, 2. Hälfte
"Kulturgeschichte der Nutzpflanzen, Band IV, 2. Hälfte" by Ludwig Reinhardt is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work explores the history and cultural significance of various agricultural plants, particularly focusing on their development, cultivation, and use throughout human history. It offers an in-depth examination of the relationship between humans and crops over time. The opening of the book introduces the topic of fodder plants and explores the agricultural practices of the Germanic tribes when they first appeared in recorded history. It describes their reliance on hunting and livestock rather than farming, detailing the transition from a nomadic to a more settled agricultural lifestyle. The text discusses the impact of Roman agricultural advancements on early German farming practices and highlights the evolution of farming techniques, including the introduction of crop rotation and the role of influential figures in improving agricultural productivity. Overall, this segment sets the stage for a detailed cultural history of plants that will detail their significance in agriculture throughout time.
William Bingley
Useful Knowledge: Volume 2. Vegetables Or, a familiar account of the various productions of nature
"Useful Knowledge: Volume 2. Vegetables" by William Bingley is a scientific publication written in the early 19th century. This volume serves as a detailed account of the various vegetable productions of nature, focusing on their structures, classifications, and uses for human benefit. It covers a wide range of plants, providing insights into their agricultural practices, medicinal applications, and culinary relevance. At the start of the work, the author introduces the concept of vegetables or plants, defining their characteristics and explaining the field of botany as it relates to plant study. He describes the main parts of plants, discusses the Linnæan classification system, and outlines the various classes based on reproductive structures. The opening sets the foundation for exploring specific plants, beginning with ginger, cardamoms, turmeric, and arrow root, detailing their cultivation, uses, and significance in both historical and contemporary contexts. This informative introduction establishes a clear thematic focus for the text, catering to readers interested in botany, agriculture, and the practical applications of plants.
Ludwig Reinhardt
Kulturgeschichte der Nutzpflanzen, Band IV, 1. Hälfte
"Kulturgeschichte der Nutzpflanzen, Band IV, 1. Hälfte" by Ludwig Reinhardt is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the cultural history of useful plants, primarily focusing on their domestication and significance in human society over time. It is a continuation of previous studies on the historical interaction between humans and their cultivated surroundings. The opening of this volume provides a comprehensive introduction to the historical context of plant cultivation, particularly wheat and barley, emphasizing their early domestication by ancient societies. It elaborates on the responsibilities of early women in gathering and planting these grains, highlighting the crucial role they played in the transition to settled agricultural life. As the text progresses, it discusses the transformation of human society due to agricultural advancements, including the development of tools and methods for planting and harvesting, ultimately setting the stage for future chapters that explore various other cultivated plants and their significance in different cultures.
D. A. Compton
The $100 Prize Essay on the Cultivation of the Potato. Prize offered by W. T. Wylie and awarded to D. H. Compton. How to Cook the Potato, Furnished by Prof. Blot.
"The $100 Prize Essay on the Cultivation of the Potato" by D. A. Compton is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work details best practices for potato cultivation, based on personal experience and observed agricultural theories. The author aims to provide practical insights and guidance to farmers looking to improve their potato yields and enhance the quality of their crops. The opening of the essay outlines the background behind the prize offered for the best essay on potato cultivation, which reflects a growing interest in agricultural education at the time. It introduces the author, D. A. Compton, as an experienced farmer dedicated to sharing knowledge that could increase potato production in the United States. The discussion begins with the significance of the potato as a staple food and the importance of selecting suitable soil prepared for optimal growth. Compton emphasizes techniques in soil preparation, the effects of various manures, and methods of planting that can lead to successful and profitable potato farming.
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