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Laurens Theodorus Gronovius

1730 – 1777

Dutch naturalist

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About Laurens Theodorus Gronovius

Lived 1730 – 1777 (aged 47). Laurens Theodorus Gronovius was a Dutch naturalist and ichthyologist.

Gronovius with his two young sons. Portrait by Isaac L. la Fargue van Nieuwland Laurens Theodoor Gronovius (1 June 1730 – 8 August 1777), also known as Laurentius Theodorus Gronovius or as Laurens Theodoor Gronow, was a Dutch naturalist born in Leiden. He was the son of botanist Jan Frederik Gronovius (1686–1762).

Throughout his lifetime Gronovius amassed an extensive collection of zoological and botanical specimens. He is especially remembered for his work in the field of ichthyology, where he played a significant role in the classification of fishes. In 1754 he published the treatise , in which he described over 200 species of fish. He is also credited with developing a technique for preservation of fish skins. Today, a number of these preserved specimens are kept in the Natural History Museum in London.

In 1762 he published the second edition of his father's Flora Virginica exhibens Plantas. In 1763 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Legacy Gronovius is commemorated in the scientific name of a species of lizard, Scelotes gronovii and of the man-of-war fish.

Published works , 1754–1756. , 1760. , 1760. (with Friedrich Christian Meuschen, 1778). , 1781. "Catalogue of fish collected and described by Laurence Theodore Gronow now in the British museum", (with John Edward Gray, 1854). "The Gronovius fish collection: a catalogue and historical account", (with Alwyne C Wheeler; British Museum (Natural History, 1958).

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Important facts

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Laurens Theodoor Gronovius

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Laurens Theodorus Gronovius?

Dutch naturalist (1730–1777)

When was Laurens Theodorus Gronovius born?

Laurens Theodorus Gronovius was born on 1 June 1730 in Leiden.

When did Laurens Theodorus Gronovius die?

Laurens Theodorus Gronovius died on 8 August 1777 in Leiden.

What was Laurens Theodorus Gronovius's occupation?

Laurens Theodorus Gronovius was a naturalist and ichthyologist.

What nationality was Laurens Theodorus Gronovius?

Laurens Theodorus Gronovius was Dutch.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Laurens Theodorus Gronovius

· Wikidata: Q473269

· DBpedia: Laurens Theodorus Gronovius

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APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Laurens Theodorus Gronovius. https://biography.guide/laurens-theodorus-gronovius/

MLA: "Laurens Theodorus Gronovius." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/laurens-theodorus-gronovius/.

Chicago: "Laurens Theodorus Gronovius." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/laurens-theodorus-gronovius/.

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