In 1565, the Zurich scholar Conrad Gessner published a book on res fossiles, that is, things dug up from the earth. The library display case in the Barfüsserkirche now brings together the ‘Book of Fossils’, drawings and artefacts in one place for the first time.
The book on fossils contains numerous woodcuts depicting rocks, minerals and fossils as we understand them today. In the 16th century, with few exceptions, fossils were not yet recognised as the remains or traces of living creatures from bygone eras. However, fossils did arouse interest when they resembled animals or plants. After Gessner’s death, part of his collection came into the possession of Felix Platter, the city physician of Basel.
Cabinet exhibition in the
Barfüsserkirche/library showcase
Management & administration
PO box | Steinenberg 4
CH-4001 Basel
Office opening hours
8:30 – 12 AM | 13:30 – 17 PM
Reception: +41 61 205 86 00
historisches.museum(at)bs.ch
