William Anderson (naturalist) facts for kids

William Anderson (born December 28, 1750, in North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland; died August 3, 1778, in the Bering Sea) was a Scottish naturalist. A naturalist is a scientist who studies nature, including plants and animals. He is best known for traveling with the famous explorer James Cook on his voyages.

William Anderson's Early Life and Education

William Anderson was one of seven children. His parents were Jean (who was born Melvil) and Robert Anderson, who worked as a schoolmaster.

William studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh from 1766 to 1768. After his studies, he joined the navy. On December 1, 1768, he became a surgeon's first mate. He was promoted to surgeon on November 1, 1770. He then worked on a ship called HMS Barfleur.

Adventures with Captain Cook

Anderson joined James Cook on his second voyage around the world. He started on the ship Resolution on December 12, 1771, as a surgeon's mate.

He worked very hard and proved to be very good at his job. Because of this, Captain Cook chose him to join his third voyage. For this trip, Anderson was the surgeon and also the naturalist. He joined the Resolution again on February 15, 1776.

Becoming a Naturalist

Even though William Anderson did not have formal training as a naturalist, he was very skilled. He collected many plant and animal samples. He also described them in detail for Joseph Banks, another famous naturalist.

Anderson also learned a lot about the languages spoken by people in the Pacific Ocean. His work greatly added to what was known about these languages. A group of plants, called Andersonia, was named after him to honor his contributions.

William Anderson's Final Journey

William Anderson died on August 3, 1778. He passed away from a lung disease called consumption. This happened while the ship Resolution was sailing in the Bering Sea.

Before he died, he wrote a will. He left most of his money to his sisters, Beth and Robinah, and to his mother's brother, William Melvil. Joseph Banks later wrote a letter to the Earl of Sandwich, confirming that Anderson's family received the money.

Captain Cook was very sad about Anderson's death. He wrote:

He was a sensible young man, an agreeable companion, well skilled in his profession ... and to perpetuate the memory of the deceased for whom I had a very great regard, I named [it] Andersons Island.

Cook tried to rename St. Lawrence Island after Anderson. However, he got confused. Today, Anderson Point in Nootka Sound is named in honor of William Anderson.

See also

• European and American voyages of scientific exploration