Operele lui Pierre Belon în colecțiile Bibliotecii Academiei Române, filiala Cluj-Napoca
The Works of Pierre Belon in the Library of the Romanian Academy’s Collections, Cluj-Napoca Branch

Summary/Abstract: Pierre Belon (1517-1564) - an outstanding personality of the French Renaissance, ichthyologist, ornithologist, botanist, ethnologist, doctor, and tireless traveller - is one of those persons who renewed the study of natural sciences by direct observation. He belongs to the first botanist – travellers and gave his research practical guidance. He also contributed to the composition of botanical and zoological repertoires that were characteristic of his epoch. Furthermore, he strived to introduce the French language into scientific papers, and he did this in order to replace Latin, previously used. Hence, he wrote his works in his native tongue, and they were subsequently translated into Latin as well. His works were appreciated both for their scientific descriptions and the precise and minute engravings. In 1540, Pierre Belon created a plantation named Arboretum at Touvoie, Sarthe county (his native place). It was there where he showed particular interest in the acclimation of plants. He also brought his contribution to the development of zoology, being considered one of those who founded modern ichthyology. As a matter of fact, he used for the first time the word ”renaissance” – Renaissance in the French language, in 1553 (”la tant désirée renaissance” – the so much desired Renaissance). By the multitude of his concerns and his scientific conceptions and applied methods, Pierre Belon actually was the man of the Renaissance. His works have circulated throughout the Transylvanian territory as well, and some valuable editions are kept with great pride in the Library of the Romanian Academy’s collections, Cluj-Napoca branch. Among the ex libris we have come across in his books, we mention the one of Csepregi Turkovics Ferenc, professor and bibliophile in Cluj, in the 18th century.

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