HERBARIUM, "HERBARIOLUM VIVUM", dated 1745.

Swedish plants mounted on rag paper with Latin names on pasted pieces of paper. Table of contents on the last three pages. Outer dimensions of the binder 34 x 21 cm.

Proviniens: Compiled as a degree project by the theology student Elias Andreas Tärnström in Uppsala beginning in 1745. On the back of the title page is a quoted poem by T. Rudén as well as a contemporary copy of a letter of recommendation signed by Carl von Linné in 1750: "Studiosus Elias Tärnström Uplandus has stopped with me, I wanted to examine him in botanicus, and then leave him a legitimate testimony, as he was minded to seek Socro's ordines. I have therefore informed myself carefully of his insight into this science, and found Tärnström well-regarded, although he did not witness my lessons; however, through much reading and careful observation, he has become so familiar with most Swedish herbs that he can be useful to himself as well as to the public, and wishes that all literate countrymen had so much insight into this science; why he is wished much happiness in his designs. Uppsala d. 29 May 1750. Carl Linnaeus With a Penance Pr. Reg. oops.".