The Swedish natural historian Linnaeus developed a classification system for nature, the 'Systema Naturae', or 'System of Nature', which is still in use today. 'The Metamorphosis' was one of the books which Linnaeus used to form his system, as is clear in this copy of the twelfth edition, where the words ‘Merian Surin.’ appear numerous times. The book is shown open at entries for Sphinx Moths.