scholar

Dinoflagellates are single celled organisms in the kingdom ‘Protista.’ They are important primary producers (make food through photosynthesis), symbionts (live dependently but peacefully with/on other organisms), consumers (they eat things), and parasites. Some produce harmful toxins which can impact humans. Yet there has been a lack of comprehensive taxonomic studies on these species.

The Compendium of Chronicles, written during the 14^th century by Rashid-al-Din Hamadani (1247-1318) is considered the first world history. It was written for the Mongol Ilkhanate in Persia. It covers not only the history of the Mongols but major events occurring in China and Europe. This scholarly study by Sheila Blair examines a version of the original manuscript by looking at pages owned by the Khalili Collection and by the Edinburgh University Library.

Johann Amman (1707-1741) was a Swiss-born doctor and botanist who actively corresponded with both Hans Sloane and Carl Linnaeus. Johann Amman did much to advance the study of botany in Russia—his 1739 Stirpium Rariorum was one of the first botanical works to be published by the Russian Academy of Sciences at Saint Petersburg, at which he was Chair of Botany. In addition, he cultivated a number of the specimens described in the book in the Academy’s Botanical Garden, which he founded.