HOOKER, Joseph Dalton. Halesworth, Suffolk 30.6.1817 — Sunningdale, Berkshire 10.12.1911. Sir. British Physician and Botanist in India. Son of Sir William Jackson H. (1785–1865), also a botanist, and Maria Sarah Turner. Educated at High School and University of Glasgow, medical degree 1839. He joined Royal Navy Medical Department and served as surgeon and naturalist in H.M.S. Erebus in Sir James Ross’ Antarctic expedition in 1839-43. In 1847-51 in India, explored the Himalayas and Khasia Hills. In 1860 visited Syria and Palestine, in 1871 Morocco, in 1877 Rocky Mountains. In 1855-85 Assistant Director and Director of Kew Gardens (succeeding his father). C.B. 1869, K.C.S.I. 1877, G.C.S.I. 1897. Married 1851 Frances Harriet Henslow (1825–1874), four sons and three daughters, and 1876 Hyacinth Jardine (1842–1921), two sons.
Hooker was one of the greatest botanists of his time, but unfortunately his great flora, unlike its predecessor (Roxburgh), omits Indian names of the plants.
Publications: The Rhododendrons of the Sikkim Himalayas. 1-2. L. 1849-51.
– Himalayan Journals or notes of a naturalist, in Bengal, the Sikkim and Nepal Himalayas, Khasia Mountains. 1-2. L. 1854.
– The Flora of British India. 1-7. L. 1872-97; Handbook to the Ceylon flora. Vol. 4-5. 1898-1900, 2nd ed. 1904-06 (1-3 by H. Trimen); A century of Indian orchids. 68 p. 101 pl. Annals of the Royal Botanic Garden 5. Calcutta & L. 1895.
– Numerous other publications.
Sources: There are numerous sources about him, but only three were used for this account: Buckland, Dictionary; H. Ward, Literature of Travel and Explor. 2, 2003, 562f.; Wikipedia with 4 portraits and references.
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