The Fritsch Collection of Algal Illustrations

- a major reference source

 

The Fritsch Collection is a unique and expanding source of algal taxonomic information which was begun by Professor F.E. Fritsch in 1912.



Constantly updated, it illustrates the diverse and changing views that have been or are still held about the identification and taxonomy of many algae. It comprises sheets collating by species several million published figures and taxonomic entries on terrestrial, fresh- and brackish-water algae from worldwide distributions. These are supported by full author citations, and a searchable web-based citations database is being compiled. The process of digitising the sheets so that they can be searched online has now begun.



The Collection contains floristic information from a variety of papers, not only major works, which have been published worldwide from the eighteenth century to the present day. Its size and wide scope make the Fritsch Collection a valuable research tool, as asserted by users. Its role as a source of data on morphology and taxonomy is being extended by its growing ability to provide other types of information, such as geographical distribution.



Major strengths are its long-established networks of national and international contacts, and access to a very wide range of literature in the FBA Library. It also has a collection of specialist material, including obscure journals and old publications, some of which are not in the FBA Library.









www.fritschalgae.info    fritsch@fba.org.uk

Colour photographs by Hilda Canter-Lund © FBA