Bateman’s circular design of the garden is believed to be influenced by an early Renaissance
treatise,
The
Dream
of
Poliphilus, which mentioned of a circular garden on the mythical Island of Kythera 3. McCoy’s intention to establish a scientific botanic garden was inspired by the botanical garden at Cambridge University 4
. Not only that the System Garden reflects
the nineteenth century effort in scientific plant classification but it also highlights the University of Melbourne attempt to establish itself as a peer to the established British universities.
Figure 2 System Garden with its partially completed conservatory c 1875, University of Melbourne Archives
7