Staffan Müller-Wille & Elena Isayev: "Linnaeus in Lapland. Generating Knowledge in Transit"

Research presentation by Staffan Müller-Wille, University of Cambridge and Elena Isayev, University of Exeter. 

For the zoom link, please contact: instructingnaturalhistory@idehist.uu.se

Abstract: 

We present our plans for a collaborative research project that consists of two intertwined elements: a new English on-line edition and translation of Carl Linnaeus’s diary of a journey through Lapland undertaken in 1732, and a re-tracking of that journey. We envisage a novel methodology of scholarly edition, in which translation and re-tracking work in tandem as catalysts of public discourse. One of the principal subjects Linnaeus enquired about, and took note of, was how natural resources and ways of life contributed to the well-being of local populations. In particular, he exalted Sámi culture as a model of healthy life, while also promoting its colonization. But he also was on a guided tour, eagerly collecting information provided by people that were on the move as well, usually spoke more than one language, hosted him and helped him find his way. The diary therefore provides a window on past practices of generating biomedical knowledge at the intersection of diverse cultures and touches on issues that are of contemporary relevance as well, ranging from sustainability and wellbeing to indigeneity and sovereignty. The presentation will build on results from a project piloting the methodology on trips to Sámi areas in 2019 and 2020 and more information on the research can be found on the project website: https://linnaeus-in-lapland.net/