PNT RO Te ero N 
FIRST) SECTION , 
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF FLOWER POLLINATION? 
Dr. Joseph Gotriies K6LReuTER? was the first to make observations on Flower 
Pollination and to expressly point out that the visits of insects are necessary for the 
pollination of flowers. In his work, ‘ Vorlaiufige Nachricht von einigen das Ge- 
schlecht der Pflanzen betreffenden Versuchen und Beobachtungen *’ (Leipzig, 1761), 
with continuation (1763), second continuation (1764), and third continuation (1766), 
he communicates the results of numerous hybridization experiments, and in con- 
nection with these, gives his observations on the pollination of flowers by the 
agency of insects. ‘The first sentences on this subject occur on page 21 and 
subsequent pages of the ‘Preliminary Notice.’ As they will always be noteworthy 
in the history of flower pollination, they may find place here. After mentioning the 
fig-tree as the only example till then known of a plant requiring the help of insects 
for pollination, Kélreuter continues :—‘ Experience has taught me that this, which 
has long been asserted concerning the fig-tree, is true of many other plants, some 
of them very common. In all cucumber plants (Cucurbitaceae), in all sword- 
lilies (Iridaceae), and in not a few plants of the mallow order (Malvaceae), pollination 
of the female flowers and stigmas is effected only by insects. I was amazed when 
I made this discovery in one of those plants for the first time, and saw that Nature 
had left so important a matter as reproduction to a mere chance, to a fortunate 
accident. My amazement was gradually converted, however, after prolonged observa- 
tion, to admiration of the means, at first sight casual, but in fact most sure, which 
the wise Creator employs to secure reproduction. It is true that every movement 
of these small insect servants of Nature makes it quite evident that when they visit 
flowers, they have no intention of discharging an office so important. But what 
does that matter? It is enough that they, without themselves knowing it, undertake 
1 A full account of the historical development of flower pollination is given by E. Loew in his 
excellent work, ‘Einfiihrung in die Bliitenbiologie auf historischer Grundlage’ (Berlin, 1895, 8°, 
432 and xii pp.). 
2 According to Sachs (‘ History of Botany,’ Eng. Ed., p. 406, note), Kélreuter was born at Sulz 
on the Neckar, and died in 1806 as Professor of Natural History in Karlsruhe, where he was also 
superintendent of the Botanic and Royal Gardens from 1768 to 1786. There he began his investiga- 
tions, which were subsequently continued in his own small garden, after he had given up his post, 
on account of the opposition of the gardeners. 
* This work has been republished by W. Pfeffer. It appeared in Ostwald’s ‘ Klassiker der 
exakten Naturwissenschaften,’ XLI (Leipzig, 1893). 
DAVIS B Y 
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