Chrysalis:: Maria Sibylla Merian and the Secrets of Metamorphosis.CHRYSALIS chrysalis (krĭs`əlĭs): see pupa. : Maria Sibylla Merian Anna Maria Sibylla Merian (born April 2, 1647 in Frankfurt – died January 13, 1717 in Amsterdam) was a naturalist and scientific illustrator who studied plants and insects and made detailed paintings about them. and the Secrets of Metamorphosis KIM TODD In 1699, more than a century before Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands, Maria Sibylla Merian made an incredible journey from Amsterdam to South America South America, fourth largest continent (1991 est. pop. 299,150,000), c.6,880,000 sq mi (17,819,000 sq km), the southern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. to study caterpillars. Today, few people have ever heard of this remarkable woman who more than 300 years ago faced sex discrimination and other trials. Nevertheless, her exquisite illustrations from the trip, detailing the metamorphosing insects and their companion plants It may never be fully completed or, depending on its its nature, it may be that it can never be completed. However, new and revised entries in the list are always welcome. This is a list of companion plant relationships. Many more are in list of beneficial weeds. , have been major resource for naturalists. Todd outlines Merian's life from her upbringing in Germany, where she learned to paint and engrave en·grave tr.v. en·graved, en·grav·ing, en·graves 1. To carve, cut, or etch into a material: engraved the champion's name on the trophy. 2. and became fascinated with butterflies. During a period when scientists believed in spontaneous generation, Merian became fascinated with the idea of metamorphosis and authored books on caterpillars. Ultimately, she left her husband and followed her passion for scientific exploration, taking only her daughter for companionship. Todd describes renewed interest in Merian's work as scientists explore the connection between the environment and insect development. Harcourt, 2007, 328 p., hardcover, b&w plates, $27.00. |
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