Banks, Sir Joseph 1744-1820
English botanist

He was born in London, and educated at Harrow, Eton, and Christ Church, Oxford. In 1766 he made a voyage to Newfoundland collecting plants, and between 1768 and 1771 accompanied Captain James Cook's expedition round the world in a vessel, the Endeavour, equipped at his own expense. In 1778 he was elected president of the Royal Society, an office which he held for 41 years. His significance lies in his far-reaching influence, rather than through any single personal contribution to science. He founded the African Association, and the colony of New South Wales owed its origin mainly to him. Through him the bread-fruit was transferred from Tahiti to the West Indies, the mango from Bengal, and many fruits of Ceylon and Persia. He was made a baronet in 1781, and his name is commemorated in the genus Banksia.

Bibliography: Hector C Cameron, Sir Joseph Banks (1952)