#12138, John MARTYN

John Martyn published several works on the subject of botany including: "The Compleat Herbal", "Flora Lapponica" and "Historia Plantarum Rariorum". The latter dating from 1728-37 with drawings of many American plants by Van Huysum, was almost certainly the earliest attempt at printing in colours from copper plates. In 1724 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, an honour he had previously declined through modesty. In 1732, he married Eulalia King (they were to have three sons and five daughters) and was elected Professor of Botany at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. Eulalia died in 1749 and he married Mary the following year.

In 1762, John resigned his Professorship, his place being taken by his son Thomas.