The Wardian case, simple invention that changed the world : Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward and his invention in the context of contemporary science, society and culture
Abstract
Plants have been transported by people for the sake of their introduction into other territories since the Ancient times. This process had always been extremely demanding, leaving a very low percentage of the plants transported alive.
The situation was changed in 1831 by the invention of N. B.
Ward called the Wardian case. The case rapidly increased the ratio of surviving plants even during long transports.
The invention thus enabled a rapid introduction of economically highly potential crops (cinchona tree, tea plant, rubber tree) into new places, and as a result boasted the economy of the British Empire. This development was also reflected in the composition of plant species in British gardens.
Furthermore, the Wardian case later acquired various fashionable modifications reflecting the aesthetics of the time and in relation to the Pteridomania, and as such found its way into many British households.