ABSTRACT
Bruce took pains to improve himself, according to Murray, taking drawing lessons in Florence before proceeding to his appointment in Algiers. He evidently mastered the use of the camera obscura. The drawings themselves provide plain evidence that the many preliminary studies are the work of one man. The manuscript notes in Italian with which they are inscribed are without exception in Balugani’s hand. The interconnection of notes and drawings, in design as well as subject matter, makes it certain beyond doubt that Balugani was responsible for all of this work, which is consistent in style and of high quality. The plant drawings needed no argument in support of Bruce's authorship, for he had virtually eliminated Balugani, long dead, from any part in their production so far as the public was concerned. Though Bruce succeeded in negating Balugani’s talent as a natural history artist, ironically, his careful preservation of the drawings makes it possible to judge Balugani as a botanical illustrator.
