The Metamorphosis of Plants

About “The Metamorphosis of Plants”

Versuch die Metamorphose der Pflanzen was published by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1790. In this work, Goethe explored the homologous nature of leaf organs in plants, including cotyledons, photosynthetic leaves, and flower petals. He identified a serial relationship among these structures, suggesting a common underlying form. While Sir Richard Owen is often credited with defining the term "homology," Goethe had developed a detailed understanding of homology and transformation more than fifty years earlier. The text reflects Goethe's early insights into biological form and variation. (Summary adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.)