Matskási István (szerk.): A Magyar Természettudományi Múzeum évkönyve 95. (Budapest 2003)

Háva, J.: Notes on Dermestidae (Coleoptera) with description of eight new species

Diaria itinerum Pauli Kitaibelii III. 1805-1817 Edited by László Lőkös Paul Kitaibel, the renown Hungarian botanist completed 17 longer and several shorter journeys in the 18-19th century during which he wrote a very detailed travel diary. Leaving Pest or Buda, from the boundary of the town he kept a scientifically very thorough itinary making it as detailed as possible. His observations covered the entire geological and natural geographical aspects of the landscape, laying special emphasis on rocks, minerals, soil, running and still waters. He specifically examined mineral waters, the first analyses of which were made on the spot with his travelling laboratory kit. The most painstaking and thorough observations were made on the plants. With profound thoughtfulness he made his notes also on the animals he saw. Besides the known plants he reported the discovery of numerous new plant species in his diary. He complemented the species list with phytogeographical, ecological, cenological observations still valid today, well preceding the scientific character of his age. He jotted down everything he experienced. His small note-books of 12-16 pages each build up his diary, which is a valuable storehouse of information on the economy, agriculture, industrial production, mining, trade and traffic of the day. Ethnography did not fall far from his interest either, so he wrote colourful reports on wedding customs, popular life and rural feats. Kitaibel's travel diary was written in German and Latin. The text is written with the orthography used by Kitaibel, and the same holds also for the species names. The illegible, consequently unprinted parts are indicated by a row of dots (...), while the uncertain readings of some words are (?) question marked. The journeys are also shown on clear maps to show the completed routes. The book closes with 55 pages of register containing index of taxa and index of geographical names. Published in 2001. Hard bound 460 pages. Price: 40 Euros plus p. and p. ISBN 963 7093 729 Orders should be sent to: The Library, Hungarian Natural History Museum H-1088 Budapest, Baross u. 13, Hungary Fax: (36-1) 3171669