Illustrations in biology textbooks 1850-1950

During the nineteenth century new reproduction techniques were introduced which made it possible to extend the use of pictures in ordinary books, such as schoolbooks for example. But it was still more costly to reproduce pictures than text. When textbooks were published it was not unusual that the text was new, whereas the illustrations were copied from older works.

The aim of the current project is to investigate the use of pictures in Swedish biology textbooks during the period 1850-1950. Which reproduction techniques were used, how and why? And further, in what way were the different techniques used: photography or drawings, or black and white pictures in the text or as separate plates?

In these books scientists introduced new ideas and new knowledge to a wider audience and the study aims at shedding light on the publishing process. Textbooks of this kind belong to a specific genre, and were printed in large editions, an important source of income for the publishers.

The study will consider theories on the importance of printing and on reproduction techniques. It will also deal with the book market, the circulation of scientific findings, the production of popular science, and in what way textbooks interact with the production of new scientific knowledge. The art of printing and a strong book market are imperative tools for an efficient education outside the class room. The textbooks educate the public, form the future scientist, constitute the basis for the scientific community, and influence their authors.

The project aims at bringing new knowledge to a field concerned with how scientific findings in the form of pictures were disseminated to schools and to a general public, and how illustrations were reused time and again in new contexts.