Sir Joseph Banks
Presentation by Mickey Benefiel
The Royal Society Room TMAG 19 Davey St Hobart
Tuesday, 2nd July 2013 Commencing 8.00 pm until 9.00 pm
About the Speaker
My personal interest in Joseph Banks is a result of my hobby which is Maritime History. I do not have a background in botany but did study marine biology in the 1960’s. As there were very poor prospects for the life sciences at the time, my career moved into computer related businesses. I have been an enthusiastic amateur historian since childhood, and a sailor of “Other Peoples” yachts for over 50 years. I am currently President of the University of the Third Age Clarence (U3A).
Brief Abstract of the Talk
Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820), naturalist, explorer, patron of science, was President of the Royal Society for 41 years. When the Royal Society persuaded the Admiralty to send James Cook in command of an expedition to observe the transit of Venus, it urged that ‘Joseph Banks … a Gentleman of large fortune … well versed in natural history’ should be permitted to join the expedition ‘with his Suite’. Banks joined the ship with a staff of eight. Only four of this party survived the voyage. This presentation covers Banks early years of development, adventure and exploration. And what a life it was!
