Original scientific paper

The life, work and creativity of Čedomil Šilić (1937–2010)

Dubravka Šoljan orcid.org/0000-0003-3863-7923 ; Faculty of Science and Mathematics, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zmaja od Bosne 33-35, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina *

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Dr. Čedomil Šilić spent most of his professional
career in Sarajevo at the National Museum of Bosnia
and Herzegovina, the oldest domestic scientific
institution. Over time, he passed all scientific
and museological titles, up to scientific advisor. In
1974, he defended his doctoral dissertation at the
University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), thereby obtaining
the title of doctor of botanical sciences. He undertook
further specialization in Budapest, Prague
and Vienna, and in professional training in Zagreb
and Ljubljana. His work can be described as having
followed two distinct paths: that of museology and
that of science. He made a significant contribution
to the enhancement of the living plant collection at
the Botanical Garden of the National Museum of
Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Herbarium of the Museum (SARA). He was responsible for the
organization of natural history exhibitions for the
National Museum. The final, permanent collection
is known as the Forests of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The scientific oeuvre of Čedomil Šilić is both extensive
and intricate. His work is primarily focused
on the biodiversity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly
within the Dinarides region, encompassing
both flora (especially endemic and rare taxa) and
vegetation. He translated his extensive knowledge
into numerous scientific works, published both
domestically and internationally, as an independent
author and in co-authorship. He is the author of 36
taxa new for scientific study and three vegetation
units. He presented at scientific and professional
meetings and participated in numerous scientific
projects. He initiated two editions: Nature of Yugoslavia
and Nature of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He
is known as a popularizer of science, in magazines
especially aimed at the youth. Furthermore, it is
pertinent to note that, due to his profound understanding
of the biodiversity of Bosnia and Herzegovina
and the natural world in general, he emerged as
a vocal advocate for its protection. He demonstrated
a remarkable ability to convey complex scientific
concepts in an accessible and engaging manner,
particularly in his writings about plants. Additionally,
he enhanced his scientific, professional, and
popular works with artistic contributions, including
original photographs and drawings. He wrote
beautifully, mostly about plants, but also enriched
his scientific, professional or popular works with art
contributions in the form of original photographs
and drawings. His artisic talent was fully expressed
in his published works, and he is recognizable for
that. Čedomil Šilić is the recipient of one order,
several awards and other social recognitions for his
productive work.

Keywords

Čedomil Šilić; artist; biography; botanist; list of papers and activities

Hrčak ID:

327776

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/327776

Publication date:

20.12.2024.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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