A journey through the letters
In the field of science history, few initiatives have had such a remarkable impact as the compilation of Charles Darwin’s correspondence. With more than 15,000 published and digitized letters, this work has become an essential source for the study of his life and the theory of evolution. In this vein, ‘Letters to a botanical’ arises as a project that, despite being less ambitious in number, is just as important in its contribution to botanical knowledge.
Carlos Pau: A Singular Botany
The figure of Carlos Pau Español represents a key element in the botany of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. His work, which has been preserved at the Botanical Institute of Barcelona, stands out for its originality and influence, despite the fact that Pau was never part of an academic institution. Instead, he carried out his work since the pharmacy’s rebotiga in Sogorb, a small town in Castellón, where he established connections with a wide range of colleagues and students through correspondence.
The international influence of peace
The letters of peace not only reveal their dedication to botany, but also their international reach. Correspondences with scientists from France, Morocco and Germany show that its influence transcends the Iberian borders, consolidating it as a reference in Mediterranean botany.
A team dedicated to research
The edition of ‘Letters to a Botanical’ has been led by a team made up of prestigious professionals such as Jesus I. Catalá, Laura Gavioli and Neus Ibáñez. All three provide their experience in the history of science and have developed a work that not only preserves the correspondence of peace, but also offers new perspectives for researchers.
Technical and statistical aspects
The first chapters, written by Ibáñez and Gavioli, offer a detailed view of the technical aspects of the project, including statistical data and an analysis of the card between PAU and their colleague Pius Font Quer. This technical basis is essential to understand the extent of his work.
Exploring new dimensions of correspondence
As we move forward in the chapters, the diversity of topics covered becomes apparent. José María de Jaime explores the relevance of pharmacies in scientific communication, while Ángel Manuel Hernández traces the development of the ‘Flora of Catalonia’. Other authors such as Fernando Fernández-Gómez and Antonio González Bueno focus on the letters with Josep Cuatrecasas, as well as Peace’s relationship with figures such as Brother Sennen and Carl Faust.
Future perspectives and additional resources
The final chapter, written by Catalá, offers a provocative view of the research opportunities that opens this correspondence. In addition, the work includes exhaustive indices, which facilitate the search for information and are increasingly scarce in recent publications.