Since the time of William Turner (1508-1568), the figure of the parson-naturalist has been conspicuous in the English Church and in English Science. Clergy have made a formidable contribution to the natural history of England... There have been botanists and ornithologists, geologists and entomologists; clerical naturalists have included specialists on molluscs, sponges, fish, orchids, seaweeds and lichens... This book presents a full range of interesting and sometimes eccentric individuals from the early days of the Christian faith in the British Isles to modern times. It ranges from birds to butterflies, clergymen geologists, museums and natural history societies, but also such subjects as missionary clergy, the mediaeval countryside and the mediaeval mind. It even gives a glossary of theological, scientific, ecclesiastical and legal terms.
Patrick Armstrong is the son of a parson-naturalist who was Vicar of St. Mark's in Cambridge. Patrick currently teaches geography in Western Australia.
