Adam Afzelius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adam Afzelius
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A. Afzelius, oil by C.F. Breda.
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| Born | 8 October 1750 Larv, Västergötland, Sweden
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| Died | 20 January 1837 (aged 86) |
| Nationality | Swedish |
| Occupation | Botanist |
| Relatives | Johan Afzelius (brother) Pehr von Afzelius (brother) |
| Scientific career | |
| Author abbrev. (botany) | Afzel. |
Adam Afzelius (born October 8, 1750 – died January 20, 1837) was a famous Swedish botanist. He was a student and follower of the well-known scientist Carl Linnaeus. Adam Afzelius was born in a place called Larv in Västergötland, Sweden.
He started his career as a teacher at Uppsala University in 1777. Later, in 1785, he became a demonstrator of botany, which means he taught about plants. He was also chosen to be a member of important science groups, like the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1793.
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Adam Afzelius's Adventures in Africa
Adam Afzelius went on two exciting trips to West Africa between 1792 and 1796. He traveled with the Sierra Leone Company. During these journeys, he studied the land, the weather, and the natural resources of the area.
He also collected many different plant samples. These samples were later sent to Uppsala University for study. His work helped people learn more about the plants and nature of West Africa.
Life and Work in Europe
After his trips to Africa, Adam Afzelius worked as a secretary for the Swedish embassy in London from 1797 to 1798. While in London, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society, a very respected science group.
When he returned to Sweden, he continued teaching botany at Uppsala University. In 1802, he became the president of a science group called the "Zoophytolithic Society." This group later became known as the Linnaean Institute.
In 1812, he became a professor of materia medica at the university. This field studies how plants and other natural things are used as medicine. Adam Afzelius passed away in Uppsala in 1837. He wrote many books about plants. He also published the life story of his teacher, Carl Linnaeus, in 1823.
His Talented Brothers
Adam Afzelius had two brothers who were also very smart and successful scientists:
- Johan Afzelius (1753–1837) was a professor of chemistry at Uppsala University.
- Pehr von Afzelius (1760–1843) became a professor of medicine at Uppsala in 1801. He was known as a great medical teacher and doctor. He added "von" to his name when he was given a special honor.
Plants Named After Him
Adam Afzelius's work was so important that some plants were named in his honor.
- The plant group Afzelia was named after him. These plants are found in parts of Africa and Asia.
- In 1857, a plant species called Anubias afzelii was also named after him by a scientist named Heinrich Wilhelm Schott.
Works
- De vegetabilibus svecanis observationes et experimenta, 1785.
- "The botanical history of Trifolium alpestre, medium, and pretense", London : Benjamin White and Son, 1791.
- "Observations on the genus Pausus, and description of a new species", London : Benjamin White and Son, 1798.
- Genera Plantarum Guineensium, 1804.
- Remedia guineensia quorum collectionem quintam, 1813-17.
- Stirpium in Guinea medicinalium species novæ, 1818.
- Reliquiae Afzelianae : sistentes icones fungorum quos in Guinea collegit et in aere incisas excudi; curavit Adamus Afzelius. interpretatur Elias Magnus Fries (1860).
- "Adam Afzelius Sierra Leone Journal 1795-1796" (translated into English, 1967; Alexander Peter Kup; Carl Gösta Widstrand).
