202 LINN^US. 



the stamens and pistils. With this object in view, 

 he recommenced his studies on a new plan ; the 

 sexual distinction continually occupied his thoughts, 

 and the knowledge which he acquired in this path 

 t)ecame the basis of his future eminence. A small 

 treatise which he composed on the subject of an aca- 

 demical disputation attracted the notice of Rudbeck, 

 the second of the name, then professor of botany, 

 who, being advanced in years, was looking out for 

 an assistant. He received the ardent student into 

 his house, and delegated to him the office of reading 

 his lectures, and demonstrating the plants in the bo- 

 tanic garden. Rudbeck was also a zoologist, and 

 had made a collection of all the Swedish birds ; the 

 examination of which failed not to add to Linnseus's 

 knowledge in this department of natural history. 

 Botany, however, continued to be his favourite 

 study ; and about this period he wrote several trea- 

 tises, which were afterwards published in Holland. 



During his residence at Upsal, he had the happi- 

 ness to enjoy the friendship of a young man, not less 

 fervently devoted than himself to the study of na- 

 ture. This was Peter Artedi, so well known for 

 his work on fishes. The name of Linnaeus is usual- 

 ly mentioned as that of a distinguished botanist ; 

 but it ought to be observed, however great his merits 

 were in that capacity, they were scarcely less in the 

 department of zoology, and that from the commence- 

 ment of his career he manifested nearly as strong a 

 liking to the one as to the other. Speaking of his 

 friendship for Artedi, he says, " He excelled me in 

 cliemistry, and I outdid him in the knowledge of 

 birds and insects, and in botany." 



At this period, a new prospect opened to his ambi- 



