The Society for the History of Natural History
The Society for the History of Natural History is the only international society devoted to the history of botany, zoology and geology, in the broadest sense, including natural history collections, exploration, art and bibliography. Everyone with an interest in these subjects – professional or amateur – is welcome to join.
On this site you will find information about the Society, its activities, publications and how to join us. You will also find news and up-to-date information as well as links to useful resources and further information.
Message from the President August 2010
The Society's main publication is Archives of natural history, produced twice a year, and distributed free to all members. It contains refereed, illustrated papers and book reviews and is published for the Society by Edinburgh University Press.
An informal Newsletter is produced three times a year and distributed free to members. It contains details of forthcoming meetings, news of other events, a lively Notes & Queries section, members’ news and new publications.
From time to time, the Society also publishes other works of interest. The most recent publication is Darwin in the Archives.
A brief history of the society
Latest News
Friday 06. of August 2010 From Royal Gifts to Biodiversity Conservation: the history and development of menageries, zoos and aquariums
The Spring meeting in 2011 will be “From Royal Gifts to Biodiversity Conservation: the history and development of menageries, zoos and aquariums”. It is a joint meeting, the co-sponsors being SHNH, the North of...
Monday 02. of August 2010 New volumes added to Archives of natural history online
SHNH Editor, Dr Charles Nelson reports that the uploading of the electronic versions of the back issues of Archives of natural history, including the earliest volumes which had the title Journal of the Society for the...
Monday 02. of August 2010 Message from the President August 2010
Council had a good meeting on 29th July, at which we welcomed four new councillors - Professor John Edgington, Ms Miranda Lowe, Dr Isabelle Charmantier and Mr Julian Wilson. In order to obtain a new, and younger,...

