The term “Natural Philosopher” was common in the early 19th century for someone who studied nature and the physical universe. It was not until the mid-19th century onward that the term scientist becoming more popular. Natural philosophers often pursued a wide variety of both scientific and artistic interests and offer a colorful glimpse into the world they inhabited.
You have the opportunity to own an awesome piece of imagery from Fantastic Worlds: Science and Fiction 1780-1910 and support Smithsonian Libraries exhibition programming! Now until December 7th, you can order this limited edition graphic tee through TFund. It features signature imagery from the exhibition: a so-called “man bat” from Leopold Galluzzo’s Altre scoverte fatte nella luna dal Sigr. Herschel , 1836. Click here now to buy!