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HILL, Sir John (1716?-1775)
Bellflower [and various other bell flowers] [Vol. 8, Page 11]
[Vol. 8, Page 11]. [London: 1759-1775]. Copper engraving, finely coloured by a modern hand. Very good condition. Plate mark: 14 5/8 x 9 inches. Sheet size: 18 1/2 x 11 1/4 inches.
A rare plate from Hill's magnificent work 'The Vegetable System', the most extensive botanical publication published in England in the 18th century.
Most likely born in Peterborough in 1716, John Hill was a versatile and productive Englishman who is best known for introducing the Linnaean system of plant classification to England. Hill first began studying botany after completing an apprenticeship as an apothecary, and he was soon commissioned to organize the dried plant collection and gardens of the Duke of Richmond and Lord Petre. In addition to his many botanical endeavours, he pursued a number of varied careers that included stints as an actor, novelist, and gardener at Kensington Palace. Hill assumed the 'Sir' at the front of his name after receiving the Order of Vasa from the King of Sweden in 1774. This award was given in recognition of the work from which the present image comes.
The Vegetable System was published in London in 26 volumes between 1759 and 1775. It is of 'great importance because it gives for the first time in the vernacular a comprehensive treatment of the plant kingdom, on a lavish scale and with coloured illustrations, adopting the Linnaean generic names and introducing binary nomenclature' (Stafleu). The first volume was still pre-Linnaean, but from volume II onward the Linnaean binomials were used. Numerous species were described for the first time, most being recently introduced exotics. In the fifth volume, Hill proposed his own 'natural method' for plant classification. The work was partly financed by John Stuart, third Earl of Bute, a notable patron of botany, who in 1760 began laying out Kew Gardens with Hill as an advisor.
Great Flower Books (1990), p.59; Henrey II, pp. 103-108 and III, no. 832; Nissen BBI 886; Pritzel 4070; Stafleu, Linnaeus, p. 210; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 2772.
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#14639 $450.00 
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© 2002-2005 Donald A. Heald
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