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Monkey Puzzle Man: Archibald Menzies, Plant Hunter
An 18th century Scottish plant collector who changed the face of gardens throughout Europe through his botanical discoveries
248 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
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December 3, 2024
James McCarthy’s “Monkey Puzzle Man,” is a concise biography of Archibald Menzies, Royal Navy surgeon, naturalist, and preeminent plant collector. McCarthy’s book is well-written, well- researched, and well-illustrated. The author deftly portrays the travails of 18th century seafaring, the arduous nature of Menzies’ work, and the vast scope of Menzies’ travels.
Born in 1754.Menzies was born at Stix, in Weem, in Perthshire, Scotland. While working with brother William at the Royal Botanic Gardens, he drew the attention of Dr. John Hope, professor of botany at Edinburgh University. Hope advanced his studies. Having qualified as a surgeon, a maligned position, Menzies served as assistant to a doctor in Wales, then joined the Royal Navy as assistant surgeon on the “ Nonsuch.” Menzies fought at the Battle of the Saints in April 1782. He then proceeded to Nova Scotia.
In 1786 Menzies was appointed surgeon on board the “Prince of Wales” -trading voyage around Cape Horn to the northern Pacific. With the “Princess Royal” he visited North America, China, and Hawaii. Menzies collected hundreds of new plants on this voyage, and worked to protect his crew. Menzies returned to Great Britain in 1789, and was elected a fellow of the Linnean Society in 1790.
From 1791 until 1795, Menzies was appointed as naturalist to accompany the autocratic, Captain George Vancouver, on his voyage around the world on "HMS Discovery." When the head surgeon fell ill, Menzies took over his responsibilities. He collected many hundreds of plant specimens, and observed numerous birds during his voyage.
In 1794, while”Discovery” spent time in Hawaii, Menzies, with Lt. Baker and two other men, made the first recorded ascent of Mauna Loa. Menzies, an amateur meteorologist, took a primitive barometer to measure the height of the mountain as 13,564 feet, compared to its currently known height of 13,679 feet.
Menzies is not well remembered. While he discovered hundreds of plants, he did not publish many of his findings, and his journals are still obscure. Menzies is best known as the Monkey Puzzle Man- the man who discovered “Araucaria araucana.” McCarthy has written an outstanding book.
Born in 1754.Menzies was born at Stix, in Weem, in Perthshire, Scotland. While working with brother William at the Royal Botanic Gardens, he drew the attention of Dr. John Hope, professor of botany at Edinburgh University. Hope advanced his studies. Having qualified as a surgeon, a maligned position, Menzies served as assistant to a doctor in Wales, then joined the Royal Navy as assistant surgeon on the “ Nonsuch.” Menzies fought at the Battle of the Saints in April 1782. He then proceeded to Nova Scotia.
In 1786 Menzies was appointed surgeon on board the “Prince of Wales” -trading voyage around Cape Horn to the northern Pacific. With the “Princess Royal” he visited North America, China, and Hawaii. Menzies collected hundreds of new plants on this voyage, and worked to protect his crew. Menzies returned to Great Britain in 1789, and was elected a fellow of the Linnean Society in 1790.
From 1791 until 1795, Menzies was appointed as naturalist to accompany the autocratic, Captain George Vancouver, on his voyage around the world on "HMS Discovery." When the head surgeon fell ill, Menzies took over his responsibilities. He collected many hundreds of plant specimens, and observed numerous birds during his voyage.
In 1794, while”Discovery” spent time in Hawaii, Menzies, with Lt. Baker and two other men, made the first recorded ascent of Mauna Loa. Menzies, an amateur meteorologist, took a primitive barometer to measure the height of the mountain as 13,564 feet, compared to its currently known height of 13,679 feet.
Menzies is not well remembered. While he discovered hundreds of plants, he did not publish many of his findings, and his journals are still obscure. Menzies is best known as the Monkey Puzzle Man- the man who discovered “Araucaria araucana.” McCarthy has written an outstanding book.
Displaying 1 of 1 review