Tabula affinitatum animalium, published in 1783, represents one of the primary scholarly contributions of Johann Hermann, a French naturalist whose career bridged the realms of medicine, botany, and zoology. Operating from Strasbourg during a period of institutional transformation, he balanced academic teaching responsibilities with the curation of extensive biological collections that would eventually anchor the city's natural history research infrastructure.
Academic Appointments in Strasbourg
Hermann dedicated his professional life to the University of Strasbourg. His teaching trajectory began in 1769 with an appointment as professor of medicine at the School of Public Health. By 1778, he transitioned to a professorship in philosophy. His academic standing grew in 1784 when he succeeded Jacob Reinbold Spielmann to lead the chair of chemistry, natural history, and materia medica. Following further institutional changes, he assumed the role of professor of botany and materia medica within the newly established School of Medicine in 1794.
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Beyond his classroom duties, Hermann maintained an active research agenda. He authored the zoological work Tabula affinitatum animalium in 1783, while his Observationes zoologicae quibus novae complures appeared in 1804 after his death. His practical influence extended to the management of the Strasbourg botanical garden, where he significantly increased the variety of living plant species. During the French Revolution, he successfully campaigned against city administrative efforts to close the facility, securing its continued existence through his personal intervention.
Legacy of Scientific Collections
Hermann amassed a personal library containing 18,000 volumes alongside a zoological collection featuring 200 mammals, 900 birds, and over 200 reptiles, in addition to numerous fish and invertebrates. These assets were purchased by the city of Strasbourg in 1804. This acquisition provided the foundational specimens for the Strasbourg Zoological Museum and the city's Natural History Museum. A reconstruction of his original natural history cabinet was opened to the public in 1988.
Fast facts
- Born: 31 December 1738, Barr, France
- Died: 4 October 1800, Strasbourg, France
- Primary Fields: Zoology, botany, medicine
- Academic Base: University of Strasbourg
- Key Publication: Tabula affinitatum animalium (1783)
- Professional Membership: Academy of Sciences of Turin
- Religious Affiliation: Lutheranism
- Eponym: Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni)
Questions readers ask
What became of Hermann's extensive collection?
The city of Strasbourg purchased his library of 18,000 volumes and his zoological collection in 1804, using them to establish the city's Zoological Museum and Natural History Museum.
How did Hermann impact the Strasbourg botanical garden?
He expanded the number of living plant species in the garden and prevented its closure during the French Revolution through his active advocacy.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Strasbourg
- Fields: zoology
