Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820) was born at Revesby Abbey, Lincolnshire, the son of the M.P. William Banks (1719-1761). He was educated at Harrow School and later at Eton College and Christ Church College, Oxford. Banks took an early interest in botany and other fields of natural history. By 1766 his knowledge had already been recognized, at the age of 23 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. His influence with Lord Sandwich, first Lord of the Admiralty and the fortune he had inherited on the death of his father in 1761, which enabled him to travel at his own expense with Captain Cook on his first great voyage to the South Seas. The expedition set sail from Plymouth in the Endeavour on 25th August 1768, rounding Cape Horn on 27th January and reaching Taihiti ten weeks later. From here they continued to New Zealand, where they became the first Europeans to set foot on New Zealand soil. After six months exploration, during which they gathered botanical samples and studied Maori life, they proceeded to Australia, landing at Botany Bay, so named on account of the profusion of plants discovered by Banks and Dr. Solander, his friend and librarian. Ten years later on the arrival of Captain Phillips, the first Governor, in 1788, Banks became an unoffical advisor to him and successive governors. He championed many causes relating to the new colony and many plants and animals dicovered by him bear his name and it is often suggested that he was the founder of Australia.
Banks' achievements in the field of natural history were so immense that he was chosen as successor to Sir Joseph Pringle, President of Royal Society who died in 1777. He held this position until his death in 1820. Banks is not widely known for his publications which were relatively few in number but included a small work on Merino sheep, an interest he shared with King George III. His library and collections were vast and access was freely given to scientists of every nationality. He was created a baronet in 1781 and invested with the Order of the Bath on 1st July 1795.
相關文章
Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.
Marks on collar clear, marks on body and handles slightly rubbed, the oval cartouches each with dents, faint dealer's scratch engraving under foot, upper border of handles possibly resoldered, one handle with casting hole above the nose, engraving clear, the collar fits tightly.
預計金額計算機
拍品 184拍賣 22662
MARK OF FRANCIS GARTHORNE, LONDON, 1709A QUEEN ANNE SILVER MONTEITH估價: GBP 12,000 - 18,000