A New Distribution of Umbelliferous Plants

...as they are presented in the tables, and as the umbellifers original: "umbellæ"; plants with flower clusters radiating from a central point like umbrella ribs are currently arranged in the public Botanical Garden of the University. Throughout this following section, we provide three things which were neglected, let alone discovered, by others writing before us, and which have until now significantly hindered those desiring to learn about plants methodically. First, we assign a generic or universal mark suitable to each genus, for those that are widely distributed as well as those that are intermediate. Second, we adapt a specific token original: "tesseram"; a distinguishing sign or trait proper or peculiar to each species. Third, we denote the duration of each and every species, having assigned appropriate symbols. For example: ☉ denotes long-lived or perennial plants, while ☿ indicates annual umbellifers. Furthermore, those to which the symbol ♋ is attached are either previously undescribed, or poorly named by authors, and consequently poorly arranged—that is, placed outside the class or series of their kin. Finally, at the request of certain botanists, as has been said, we assign the birthplaces original: "natales"; the native habitats of all the umbellifers, as well as their temperament, powers, and the various names given by at least the principal authors. We claim for ourselves alone not these same things, but a new and unheard-of method, which will perhaps please many highly learned botanists; even if it is difficult, indeed impossible, to please everyone. By this reasoning, when looking at our tables constructed by the said method, anyone will be able to perceive which umbellifers are perennial, which are annual, and finally which were collected and observed under the auspices of the Most Serene Royal Duke Gaston of Orléans Gaston, Duke of Orléans (1608–1660), a major patron of botany of France, and are now at last presented by us. Credit these same things to him and to his memory. We promise the rest under the auspices of our Most Serene and Powerful Lord, King Charles II, with the added goodwill of patrons and friends in our Illustrious and Most Celebrated University Oxford University, and of others elsewhere who are students of botany. Farewell.

Given from our Study in the college
called University. 15th day before the Kalends
of February, 1672. January 18, 1672