Harry Lee wrote, 'the research has whet my appetite for reading more of the work of this eminent Dutch naturalist [Rumphius].' Science popularizer Willy Ley wrote about Rumphius in one of his captivating books. If a 25-year-old memory is correct, Rumphius' story was dramatic. Like his countryman Geerat Vermeij, Rumphius was blind but did not let this obstacle overcome his desire to study and write about natural history. He also overcame disappointment as the manuscript of his book on Amboina was lost. Twice. If he had not had unusual strength of character, we would not have this book at all. Linnaeus evidently liked Rumphius's book also, because he drew on it extensively for his 'Systema Naturae'. Andrew K. Rindsberg Geological Survey of Alabama