James Backhouse (botanist, 1825–1890)

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James Backhouse (1825–1890) was an English botanist, archaeologist, and geologist. He was the son of James Backhouse (1794–1869), a botanist and missionary in Australia.

Life[edit]

Backhouse was educated at Lawrence Street School, (which later became Bootham School[1]), York. He worked in Norway, Ireland, and Scotland, and was particularly known for his work on the flora of Teesdale. He was a correspondent of Charles Darwin.

He was also a member of the Religious Society of Friends, also known as the Quakers.[2]

James Backhouse is known as "James Backhouse (4)",[3] because he was the fourth in a line of James Backhouses:

  • James Backhouse (1), 1720–1798, the founder of Backhouse's Bank.
  • James Backhouse (2), 1757–1804.
  • James Backhouse (3), 1794-1869, the Quaker missionary and founder of the Backhouse Nursery.

His son was also a James Backhouse:

  • James Backhouse (5), 1861–1945, best known as an ornithologist.[4]


Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Woodland, Jenny (2011). Bootham School Register. York, England: BOSA.
  2. ^ Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
  3. ^ "James Backhouse (4)". Parks and Gardens UK. Retrieved 18 May 2020. See also: "James Backhouse (3)". Parks and Gardens UK. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
  4. ^ See: "James Backhouse (5)". Parks and Gardens UK. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
  5. ^ International Plant Names Index.  Backh.f.

References[edit]

  • Desmond, Ray. 1994. Dictionary of British and Irish botanists and horticulturists including plant collectors, flower painters and garden designers. New edition, revised and completely updated with the assistance of Christine Ellwood. London: Taylor & Francis & the Natural History Museum, 1994.