Volume 2

The history of British fishes / [Robert Hamilton].

  • Hamilton, Robert, M.D.
Date:
[1876]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The history of British fishes / [Robert Hamilton]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    of the School of Medicine and Garden of Plants, who afterwards became his companion in travel, and greatly distinguished himself by his numerous discoveries in botany. Animated by a desire to explore distant regions little known to Europeans, Humboldt contemplated joining tbe expedition of discovery to the southern hemisphere, under the direction of Capt. Baudin, then preparing in France ; but the Avar in which that country Avas then en- gaged, compelled the government to Avithhold the funds allotted to this enterprise. Becoming ac- quainted with a Swedish consul who happened to pass through Paris, with the view of embarking at Marseilles on a mission to Algiers, he resolved to embrace the opportunity thus offered of ATisiting Africa, in order to examine the lofty chain of moun- tains in the empire of Morocco, and ultimately to join the body of scientific men attached to the French army in Egypt. Along Avith his friend Bon- pland, he therefore repaired to Marseilles, Avhere he waited for tAvo months the arrival of the frigate wiiich Avas to convey the consul to his destination. At length, learning that this vessel had been injured by a storm, he resolved to pass the winter in Spain, reckoning on easily finding the means of passing from thence to Africa in the spring. On his arrival at Madrid, ho was received Avith merited distinction by all the men of science in that city. He had also the honour of being presented at the court, and Avas graciously received by the King, to Avhom he explained the motives which induced