Michael E Hoare

This biography resurrects the reputation of Johann Reinhold Forster (and that of his estimable son, Georg Forster) as one of the leading scientists in the period of European "discovery" of the world, 1729-1798. The two were idiosyncratic and the father was graceless. They both became the butt of testy verses even by the great Schiller and Goethe [324].

Johann began as a preacher in Germany and Russia where he introduced Unitarian and Linnaean concepts, and when he went to England he was accepted, with his son, as the scientist of the three global expeditions led by James Cook.

He was an irascible and remarkable polyhistor, not given to diplomacy or graces, but his theology was humane, his science was top drawer, and both were infectious. Humbolt credits his work in his own successive voyages, and thanked him personally. Johann Forster notes as well that "one of the most pleasant recollections of my life was that I knew the great Franklin personally". The reknowned English Unitarian scientist/natural philosopher Joseph Priestly had introduced them. [Magazin von merkwurdigen neuen Reisebeschreibungen VII 1792]. What a fine tribute -- and we now know that he aided the American Revolution behind the scenes.

An example of a brave, bright, and incorrupt man doing science and bringing the benefits of liberal and humane values to every community of the globe in which he worked. Proficient in agriculture, anthropology, theology, oriental philology, geography, geology, natural history, and a remarkable linguist. He died translating a French journal of the voyages of La Perouse, when nearly 70 years of age. He had diagnosed himself, and he died a happy man, surrounded by family and friends. [328] He had struggled against massive difficulties, created many of the storms himself.

Johan Forster was accomplished and learned. With his long-lived devoted wife Justina who outlived him, they raised a talented but tragic family. At the time of his death, the family had acquired one of the finest private libraries in the world.… (mehr)