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Francis Buchanan-HamiltonScottish scientist
Date of Birth: 15.02.1762
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Francis Hamilton: A Renowned Scottish Naturalist in India
- Service in India
- Geographical Surveys
- Zoological and Botanical Contributions
- Travel Writings and Other Works
- Later Years
- Legacy
Francis Hamilton: A Renowned Scottish Naturalist in India
Early Life and EducationFrancis Buchanan, born in Callander, Perthshire, Scotland, belonged to the ancient Buchanan clan. He pursued medical studies at the University of Edinburgh and later botany under the guidance of John Hope.
Service in India
In 1794, Buchanan joined the Bengal Medical Service and served in India until 1815. During his tenure, he was a physician to Governor-General Richard Wellesley and established the first Indian zoological garden in Calcutta.
Geographical Surveys
From 1807 to 1814, Hamilton undertook extensive surveys of British East India Company territories. His reports covered a wide range of topics, including topography, history, natural resources, agriculture, trade, and arts and crafts. These detailed accounts are archived in major libraries and have been partially published.
Zoological and Botanical Contributions
Hamilton's surveys included a significant study of Indian fishes, resulting in his publication "An Account of the Fishes Found in the River Ganges and its Branches." He also described numerous plant species and collected a series of watercolor paintings depicting Indian and Nepalese flora and fauna.
Travel Writings and Other Works
Hamilton's travels in southern India after the defeat of Tipu Sultan led to his book "A Journey from Madras through the Countries of Mysore, Canara and Malabar." He also authored "An Account of the Kingdom of Nepal."
Later Years
In 1814, Hamilton became the superintendent of the Calcutta Botanical Garden. Ill health forced him to return to England in 1815. He inherited his mother's estate and adopted the surname Hamilton.
Legacy
Hamilton's botanical notes from 1780 took an extraordinary journey. Lost in India, they were rediscovered in Tipu Sultan's library and returned to Buchanan in 1800. His extensive contributions to the study of Indian geography, zoology, and botany have made him a prominent figure in the history of natural history.
