Joseph Barclay Pentland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joseph Barclay Pentland
Pencil drawing of Joseph Barclay Pentland by Carlo Ernesto Liverati
Born	(1797-01-17)17 January 1797 Ballybofey, Ireland
Died	12 January 1873(1873-01-12) (aged 75) London
Burial place	Brompton Cemetery, London
Occupation	Geographer natural scientist traveler
Notable work	Report on Bolivia

Joseph Barclay Pentland (born January 17, 1797 – died July 12, 1873) was an Irish geographer, natural scientist, and traveller. He was born in Ballybofey, a town in County Donegal, Ireland. Pentland studied at Armagh and later in Paris. He also worked with the famous scientist Georges Cuvier.

Exploring the Andes

Joseph Pentland was a keen explorer and scientist. He loved to study the Earth and its natural world. He is best known for his work in South America.

Between 1826 and 1827, Pentland worked with Woodbine Parish. They explored and mapped a large part of the Andes mountains in Bolivia. This was a very important job, as much of the area was not well known.

In 1827, Pentland shared his findings in a book called Report on Bolivia. This report helped people learn more about the geography of the region.

From 1836 to 1839, Pentland served as the British consul-general in Bolivia. This meant he was the main representative for Britain in that country. He helped with relations between the two nations.

Pentland also wrote letters to other famous scientists of his time. He corresponded with Charles Darwin, who developed the theory of evolution. He also wrote to William Buckland, a well-known geologist.

His Lasting Legacy

Joseph Barclay Pentland died on July 12, 1873, in London. He was buried in Brompton Cemetery in London. Even after his death, his discoveries and work continued to be recognized.

Several things have been named after him to honor his contributions:

• The mineral pentlandite was named after him. Pentland was the first to notice this mineral.
• A crater on the Moon is called Pentland.
• Two types of birds found in the Andes are named after him:
  • The Andean tinamou (scientific name: Nothoprocta pentlandii)
  • The Puna tinamou (scientific name: Tinamotis pentlandii)
• The cactus Lobivia pentlandii was also named in his honor. Pentland discovered this plant and sent it to the Kew Botanic Gardens in London.