Werner's Nomenclature of Colours

Adapted to Zoology, Botany, Chemistry, Mineralogy, Anatomy, and the Arts

In the eighteenth century, German geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner (1750-1817) set out to establish a standard reference guide to colour for use in the general sciences. Decades later, Scottish botanical artist Patrick Syme (1774-1845) extended Werner's work, refining it into a comprehensive catalogue of the most prominent shades and hues found in nature. The result was a timeless compendium of colour that showcases the beauty of nature across the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms.

Each color swatch in Syme's edition of Werner's Nomenclature of Colours is accompanied by examples found in nature, offering a practical tool for scientists, artists, and explorers alike.