Tancred Robinson facts for kids
Sir Tancred Robinson (born around 1658 – died March 29, 1748) was an English doctor and a keen observer of nature. He was very interested in plants and animals, and he helped many other scientists with their work.
A Young Life and Travels
Tancred Robinson was born in Yorkshire, England. His father, Thomas Robinson, was a businessman who traded with Turkey. Tancred started studying at St John's College, Cambridge in 1673 when he was about 15 years old. He became a doctor (M.B.) in 1679.
After his studies, Robinson traveled across Europe for several years. He went to Paris, France, where he learned from famous scientists like Joseph Pitton de Tournefort and Guichard Joseph Duverney. He also visited Montpellier, France, and met Pierre Magnol. His journey continued to Bologna, Italy, where he met Marcello Malpighi, a well-known anatomist. He also explored Rome and Naples before heading to Geneva and Leyden in 1684.
In August 1684, Robinson returned to London. While he was traveling, he wrote letters about his observations. One of his first articles was about the Pont-Saint-Esprit bridge over the Rhône River. This article was published in a famous science magazine called Philosophical Transactions. In the same year, he became a member of the Royal Society, a group for important scientists.
Robinson continued his medical career. He earned a higher medical degree (M.D.) from Cambridge in 1685. In 1687, he became a member of the Royal College of Physicians. He even became a doctor for King George I and was made a knight by the King.
Sir Tancred Robinson lived a long life and passed away on March 29, 1748.
His Work and Discoveries
Sir Tancred Robinson wrote ten articles for the Philosophical Transactions magazine. He was very interested in natural history, which means studying plants, animals, and nature. He especially loved plants. Another scientist, Leonard Plukenet, once called him "someone who did great things for the study of plants." Robinson also helped other scientists, like James Petiver and Samuel Dale, with the Latin language in their scientific books.
Robinson was a good friend of John Ray, a very important naturalist. Ray published 17 letters from Robinson in his book Philosophical Letters. Ray often thanked Robinson for his help, especially with his books Historia Plantarum (about plants) and Synopsis Stirpium. Robinson played a big part in getting Ray's book Wisdom of God in Creation published. He also suggested ideas for Ray's other books, like Synopsis Animalium (about animals).
Robinson was also involved in other publications. He helped write the introduction for Sir John Narborough's book Account of several late Voyages (1694). He also wrote the dedication for the English version of Louis le Comte's book Memoirs and Observations made in … China (1697).
Family Life
Sir Tancred Robinson was married to Alethea, who was the daughter of George Morley. They had one son named William.
