Joseph Dalton Hooker
Pioneering botanist and explorer, founder of geographical botany.
Chronology: 1817-06-30 – 1911-12-10
Origins & Early Life
Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker (30 June 1817 – 10 December 1911) was an English botanist and explorer in the 19th century. He was a founder of geographical botany and Charles Darwin's closest friend. For 20 years he served as director of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, succeeding his father, William Jackson Hooker, and was awarded the highest honours of British science. == Biography == === Early years === Hooker was born in Halesworth, Suffolk, England.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
He was the second son of Maria Sarah Turner, eldest daughter of the banker Dawson Turner and sister-in-law of Francis Palgrave, and the famous botanist Sir William Jackson Hooker, Regius Professor of Botany. From the age of seven, Hooker attended his father's lectures at the University of Glasgow, taking an early interest in plant distribution and the voyages of explorers like Captain James Cook. He was educated at the Glasgow High School and went on to study medicine at the University of Glasgow graduating with an MD in 1839. His degree qualified him for employment in the Naval Medical Service. He joined the polar explorer Captain James Clark Ross's Antarctic expedition to the South Magnetic Pole after receiving a commission as Assistant...
Enduring Legacy & Impact
The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.
Source: Wikipedia