Natural Life

Amazing Plants: Botanical models, late 19th century
Flowering plant models were used to teach the structure of plants in universities all over the world. These models were made by Robert Brendel in his workshop in Berlin in the late 19th century. Brundel used a variety of different materials in his models including paper mache, wood, gelatine and sometimes even cotton and feathers.

Amazing Plants: Photomicrographs of Two Diatoms
Endictya oceanica and Triceratium antediluvianum
Diatoms are microscopic organisms that have a characteristic silica cell wall, but which are closely related to giant kelp plants. They live in salt and freshwater habitats, in soils, and on damp surfaces. Most live in the open water and they are especially important in oceans, where they are estimated to contribute nearly half of the total oceanic production of compounds by photosynthesis.