# An uncut copy of Scleromyceti Sueciae: lost and then found

## TL;DR

A rare, uncut copy of a foundational fungal nomenclature book was rediscovered in Glasgow after being lost following a fire.

## Contribution

The rediscovery of a well-preserved first edition of Scleromyceti Sueciae in Glasgow Museums.

## Key findings

- The Glasgow copy of Scleromyceti Sueciae was found in its original cabinet at Glasgow Museums.
- It is one of the few uncut and best-preserved first editions of this important mycological work.
- The discovery highlights the need for special conservation of early mycological collections.

## Abstract

A copy of Scleromyceti Sueciae, a work on which the nomenclature of many fungi is based was known to occur in Scotland’s Glasgow University Botany Department but the buildings were devastated by fire in 2001 and the whereabouts of this important work, if it existed, was lost. Its re-finding is reported herein.

The Glasgow copy of Scleromyceti Sueciae, an uncut first edition of Fries’ work, was located in the Glasgow Museums in its original cabinet being transferred there years before the fire and its specimens being now databased. It is one of the few existing uncut copies of this important scientific work and one of the best-preserved copies of the first edition.

The discovery of this first edition of Scleromyceti Sueciae emphasizes the significance to reserve special conservation for important collections by early mycologists. It also allows interested mycologists world-wide to know of the existence in Glasgow of an uncut, first edition copy.