Maria Merian can be considered one of the world's first entomologists. Her studies of butterflies and moths and their life cycles were revolutionary and groundbreaking. Even more so because she was a women in the 17th century. At that time many people believed caterpillars and butterflies were different species. They believed butterflies spontaneously appeared. Maria carefully observed the insects in her garden. She collected specimens and watched what happened to them. She connected insects to specific plants. And she drew pictures and took copious notes of the process. She even traveled with her daughter to Surinam to study the insects there. Her books on the subject were the definitive research of the day. Not only was Maria a successful scientist, but she was also a fantastic painter and engraver. Her paintings are scattered throughout the book and they are fantastically detailed. It is sad to think that she fell out of favor because she was a woman and of course could not have done what she did. But it is wonderful that she has been rediscovered and given the recognition she deserves.