The Apostles of Linnaeus were a group of students who carried out botanical and zoological expeditions throughout the world that were either devised or approved by botanist Carl Linnaeus. The expeditions took place during the latter half of the 18th century and the students were designated 'apostles' by Linnaeus.
Apostle Daniel Solander (far left) with Joseph Banks (left, sitting) accompanied James Cook (centre) on his journey to Australia. Portrait by John Hamilton Mortimer.
Carl Linnaeus
Pehr Kalm
Pehr Osbeck
Swedish East India Company
The Swedish East India Company was founded in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1731 for the purpose of conducting trade with India, China and the Far East. The venture was inspired by the success of the Dutch East India Company and the British East India Company. This made Gothenburg a European Centre of trade in eastern products. The main goods were black pepper, spices, silk, tea, furniture, porcelain, precious stones and other distinctive luxury items. Trade with India and China saw the arrival of some new customs in Sweden. The cultural influence increased, and tea, rice, arrack and new root vegetables started appearing in Swedish homes.
The small seal of the SOIC during the last octroi (government charter)
The East India House at Norra Hamngatan in Gothenburg, Sweden, built by Det svenske Ostindiska kompaniet in 1750. The inscription on the frieze states: "This Building was erected in the year of 1750 by the East India Comp. The Gothenburg museum remodeled it for its collections in the year of 1895".
Porcelain sugar bowl made in China c. 1770–90, imported by the SOIC, City Museum of Gothenburg
Colin Campbell (1686–1757), co-founder and director of the SOIC
