Laurens Theodorus Gronovius

Laurens Theodorus Gronovius ( born June 1, 1730 in Leiden, † August 8, 1777 ibid; German Lorenz Theodor Gronow ( etc.) ) was a Dutch naturalist. He was the son of the botanist Frederik Gronovius January (1686-1762) and died like this as alderman of his city.

He was an eminent collector. Especially important were his contributions to ichthyology, ( ichthyologicum Museum, 1754), both with (about 200) species descriptions and systematic contributions. He was a friend of Linnaeus, but its failure to introduce binary name in his original descriptions. Therefore, in the nomenclature he only went with generic names (such Gonorynchus ) a (Author shortcuts: Gronov ). In 1757 he gave ( in Uitgezogte verhandelingen ) a good description of the impact of electricity on the South American " eel " ( Electrophorus ).

A method of taxidermy in fish still bears his name - a part of his " flat-mounts " can still be seen at the Natural History Museum in London. But his collection also included other groups of animals and plants, mollusca and minerals ( major gem collection ). These are some of the Leiden Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke History from 1820 based on the 1998 short " Naturalis " is ( the fish are, however, in London).

Publications (selection)

• Index süpellectilis lapideae. In 1750.
• Museum ichthyologicum sistens piscium indigenarum et quorundam exoticorum. From 1754 to 1756.
• Bibliotheca regni animalis atque lapidei. In 1760.
• Bibliotheca botanica. In 1760.
• Flora virginica exhibens plantas. Second edition of his father's work, 1762
• Zoophylacium Gronovianum exhibens quadrupeda, amphibia, insecta, etc. 1763-1781, Lugdunum Batav. - Vol.1 vertebrates, Vol 2 insects, Vol 3 worms, molluscs, etc.