
Transcriber’s notes:
Delving into the hidden choreography of the plant world, this classic work reveals how leaves, stems and even whole trees respond to touch, light and temperature. Written by a pioneering botanist of the early twentieth century, the text blends careful observation with rigorous experimentation, inviting listeners to see familiar foliage in a new, dynamic light.
The author details a series of ingenious devices that capture the subtle motions of species such as Mimosa pudica, documenting rhythmic rises and falls that follow day‑night cycles. Readers hear vivid explanations of how water pressure, turgor changes and external stimuli shape growth, as well as the influence of wounds, chemicals and even fatigue on a plant’s excitability. Rich, restored illustrations accompany the narrative, turning complex physiological concepts into an accessible, almost tactile experience for anyone curious about the secret life of plants.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (362K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Bryan Ness, Thiers Halliwell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
Feb 16, 2015
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1858–1937
A pioneering scientist with a wonderfully wide range of interests, he explored both invisible radio waves and the hidden responses of plants. His work helped shape modern experimental science in India and still sparks curiosity today.
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