Mémoire sur le genre potérion 1870

This is the title page of “Mémoire sur le genre potérion” by Pieter Harting, part of a volume by the Provincial Utrecht Society of Arts and Sciences. Produced during a time of great scientific advancement, publications like these reflected the era's deep dive into the natural world. Harting's work comes out of the tradition of scientific societies that played a crucial role in the 19th century. These societies provided a space for academic exchange and knowledge dissemination. While ostensibly objective, it is worth asking how scientific illustrations and publications reinforced existing societal hierarchies. Consider the act of naming and classifying species within a colonial context. The power dynamics inherent in these practices allowed for the objectification and control of the natural world. How did this impact the understanding and treatment of different human populations? Harting’s publication encourages us to consider the relationship between scientific inquiry, cultural perspectives, and power.