Fries, Elias Magnus (1794–1878)

Swedish botanist whose work laid the foundation for modern mycology (the study of fungi). His most prominent contribution, Systema mycologicum 1821, included a classification of fungi by their physical structure and stages of development. He also studied European lichens and published Observationes Mycologicae 1815 and Systema orbis vegetablis 1825.

Born in Femsjo, Sweden, Fries attended Vaxjo Gymnasium and the University of Lund, where he graduated with a degree in philosophy 1814. However, from then onwards he concentrated on studying botany and remained at the university, where his father supported him financially until he obtained a position as a university demonstrator 1828. By the time he was made professor of botany at Uppsala University 1835, he was the leading Swedish botanist.