Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin
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| Born | 16 February 1727 |
| Died | 26 October 1817 (aged 90) |
| Education | Leiden University |
| Occupation | scientist |
| Known for | medicine, chemistry, botany |
| Children | Joseph Franz, Emil Gottfried, Franziska |
| Awards | member, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences |
| Scientific career | |
| Author abbrev. (botany) | Jacq. |
Nikolaus Joseph Freiherr von Jacquin (born February 16, 1727, died October 26, 1817) was a very important scientist. He studied many subjects, including medicine, chemistry, and botany (the study of plants).
Contents
Early Life and Education
Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin was born in Leiden, a city in the Netherlands. He went to Leiden University to study medicine. After his studies, he moved to Paris, France, and then to Vienna, Austria. In Vienna, he continued his medical studies with a famous doctor named Gerard van Swieten in 1752.
Exciting Plant Expeditions
Between 1755 and 1759, Jacquin went on an amazing journey. Emperor Francis I sent him to the West Indies, Central America, Venezuela, and New Granada. His main job was to collect new and interesting plants for the Schönbrunn Palace gardens.
During this trip, he gathered a huge collection of samples. These included many different animals, plants, and even minerals. Years later, in 1797, another famous explorer named Alexander von Humboldt used Jacquin's collections to prepare for his own journey to the Americas.
Professor and Director
In 1763, Jacquin became a professor of chemistry and mineralogy (the study of minerals). He taught at the Bergakademie Schemnitz, which is now in Slovakia.
Then, in 1768, he got an even bigger role. He became a Professor of Botany and Chemistry at the University of Vienna. He also became the director of the university's botanical gardens. This meant he was in charge of all the plants there!
Awards and Honors
Because of his excellent work, Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin received many honors:
- In 1774, he was given the title Edler, which was a special honor.
- In 1783, he was chosen as a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
- In 1806, he was made a baron, which is a very high title.
- In 1809, he became a correspondent of the Royal Institute, which later became the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Family and Mozart
Jacquin's younger son, Emil Gottfried (1767–1792), and his daughter, Franziska (1769–1850), were good friends with the famous composer Mozart. Mozart even wrote two songs for Gottfried to publish under his own name. Mozart also gave piano lessons to Franziska.
Mozart dedicated many of his musical works to the Jacquin family. One famous piece is the Kegelstatt Trio. This trio was first played at the Jacquins' house in August 1786, with Franziska playing the piano part.
Nikolaus Joseph's older son, Joseph Franz (1766–1839), followed in his father's footsteps. He became a professor of botany and chemistry at the University of Vienna after his father. Joseph Franz also wrote several important books about plants.
Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin passed away in Vienna.
Legacy
Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin's work is still remembered today. Two groups of plants are named after him:
- Jacquinia (a type of plant in the Theophrastaceae family).
- Jacquiniella (a type of orchid).
In 2011, the Austrian Mint even made special silver coins to celebrate his science trips to the Caribbean.
See also
In Spanish: Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin para niños
