“Gud skapade, Linné ordnade”

“God created, Linnaeus arranged”

Today, the 23rd of may, is Carl Linnaeus’s 300th birthday. While there are many Swedes who have shaped science, medicine, math, art, politics and our world in general, there is only one Carl Linnaeus. In Uppsala, 2007 has been a perpetual celebration of this man and his work at this university. As a biologist myself, I feel privileged to be a part of honoring this great man in the city and country that he loved. Today there are leaders from around the world that have gathered in Uppsala, including the emperor and empress of Japan. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and somewhere I’m sure Carl is looking down and is pleased. Enjoy the spring time, go and smell the roses and take time to admire the wonders of nature around you. I can think of no better way to honor tricentennial birthday of this “founding father” of modern biology.