Hans Sloane

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Hans Sloane

Name	Hans Sloane
Birth name
Birth date	16 April 1660
Birth place	Killyleagh, County Down, Ireland
Death date	11 January 1753
Death place	Chelsea, London, England
Alma mater
Occupation	Physician, Naturalist, Collector
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Hans Sloane (16 April 1660 – 11 January 1753) was a renowned physician, naturalist, and collector whose extensive collections became the foundation of the British Museum, the British Library, and the Natural History Museum, London.

Early Life and Education

Hans Sloane was born in Killyleagh, County Down, Ireland, to a family of Scottish descent. From an early age, Sloane showed a keen interest in the natural world, which led him to pursue studies in medicine and botany. He moved to London in 1679 to study chemistry and medicine, and later continued his education in France, where he attended the University of Orange and the University of Montpellier.

Medical Career

Sloane returned to London in 1684 and became a fellow of the Royal Society. He was appointed as a physician to the Duke of Albemarle and accompanied him to Jamaica in 1687. During his time in Jamaica, Sloane collected over 800 plant specimens and documented the flora and fauna of the island. His observations were later published in his work A Voyage to the Islands Madera, Barbados, Nieves, S. Christophers and Jamaica.

Upon his return to England, Sloane established a successful medical practice and became a physician to Queen Anne and later to King George I and King George II. He was elected President of the Royal College of Physicians in 1719 and served in this role until 1735.

Contributions to Science and Medicine

Sloane's contributions to science and medicine were significant. He introduced the use of quinine as a treatment for malaria in England and was an advocate for the use of inoculation against smallpox. His extensive collection of natural history specimens, books, and manuscripts was unparalleled at the time.

Legacy

Hans Sloane's legacy is most prominently seen in his bequest to the nation. Upon his death, Sloane left his collection of over 71,000 items to the British nation, which formed the basis of the British Museum, established in 1753. His collections also contributed to the founding of the British Library and the Natural History Museum.

Sloane is also remembered for his role in popularizing drinking chocolate in England. He encountered the beverage in Jamaica and developed a recipe that became widely popular in Europe.

Also see

• British Museum
• Natural History Museum, London
• Royal Society
• Quinine
• Inoculation