Georges Louis Leclerc Count De Buffon, was an 18th century French philosopher, mathematician and naturalist, a forerunner of evolutionism and author of the monumental 44-volume Natural History. He was one of the first scientists to seek explanations other than religious ones for the origin of the solar system. Among other things, he did experiments on heating balls of iron and, based on them, estimated the time in which the newly formed Earth should cool down. He concluded, for example, that it took 34,270 years for the planet to 'stop steaming,' and after 74,832 years it cooled to its present temperature. Although today we know that it actually took many more years, the count's work was still considered shocking and condemned by the Sorbonne as contradicting the Bible, which was then treated as a scientific authority.
In addition, De Buffon noted that changes in the environment affect changes in the appearance of organisms. Which he also showed in his drawings.
We present beautiful graphics depicting exotic birds, such as ibises and flamingos, and native birds, such as herons and cranes. These prints are from the "De Buffon" portfolio, published in Paris in 1833. Framed in dark green passe partout frames, they will make a wonderful decoration for any interior.
