Sir Joseph Banks - The Unknown Celebrity Quiz

Answer: A wealthy English family

Banks came from a wealthy family and had a privileged upbringing. He was educated at Harrow and then Eton, before studying natural history at Oxford University. Whilst Joseph Banks was at Oxford, his father, William Banks, passed away and left his son considerable wealth.

Answer: The Great Auk

With his father's estate, Banks was able to fund his curiosity of the natural world. In 1766, the same year as his journey to Newfoundland and Labrador, he was elected to the Royal Society. Banks was a member of this prestigious establishment until his death in 1820.

Answer: Botanist

The first voyage of James Cook took place between 1768 and 1771. There were several reasons for this voyage, including the exploration of Australia (or the unknown southern land, as it was known), the discovery of wildlife, and the observation of the transit of Venus across the sun.

Much of the money for this voyage was contributed by Banks. In his role as botanist, Banks is credited with the description of acacia, eucalyptus and mimosa.

Answer: He indulged in the culture and had several relationships with Tahitian women

Joseph Banks was a charming and handsome man. As he became enamoured of the island of Tahiti, and the women there were just as fond of him. It is said that during a dinner on their first night, he spent time talking to a pretty young girl instead of the local queen.

The offended queen made her importance clear to Banks and spent the night with him. However, as revenge for his behaviour earlier that night, she stole his clothes and left him to make his way back to his crew wearing very little.

Answer: Tattooing

Several men have been credited with introducing tattoos to Europe, and Joseph Banks is one such man. Banks described the skin markings of the Tahitians he spent much time with during the voyage, and the name tattoo actually comes from the Tahitian "tatau". Banks is also credited with being the first European to describe surfing, which he observed during this voyage.

Answer: Batavia (Jakarta)

Cook decided to stop in Batavia (now Jakarta) after their exploration of the southern regions, but his crew fell victim to both malaria and dysentery. Despite this, the first Cook voyage is hailed for the fact that it effectively prevented scurvy by including citrus fruits and sauerkraut in the diet.

Answer: A Tahitian man named Omai

Omai (or Mai) met Joseph Banks when the Cook expedition landed on Tahiti and joined the expedition with the intention of becoming something of an exhibition in England. Omai became just that, meeting several men of wealth, including King George III, whom he supposedly greeted with "How do, King Tosh!". Omai had his portrait painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds, depicting him in flowing white garments.

Answer: Daniel Solander

Daniel Solander was a Swedish botanist and was also part of the first Cook expedition. He and Banks established a good friendship and continued to travel and catalogue botanical specimens in the British Isles upon their return. Banks had intended to join Cook on his second voyage aboard HMS Resolution, but the admiralty denied his permission to sail due to his demand for a 16-man (!) entourage.

Answer: He was the Royal Society's longest serving president

Joseph Banks forms part of a long list of famous scientists who have held this coveted position and will continue to hold the title of longest serving president of the Royal Society, since the presidency is now limited to 5 years. During his presidency, Banks married Dorothea Hugesson and moved to Soho Square, which became a hub of activity for his social and scientific interests.

Answer: Banks' presidency coincided largely with the Napoleonic wars

At a time of war, Joseph Banks made a concerted effort to keep in contact with scientists from different countries. For example, Banks utilised the experienced astronomical eye of Charles Messier (a Frenchman) to assist the astronomical work in England, at the time largely being carried out by William Herschel.