Gilbert White
Gilbert White
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Gilbert White was born as Gilbert White of Selborne. He is also known as the "father of English natural history."
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: 1720, Selborne, Hampshire, England
Died: July 21, 1793
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: English
Professions: Parson (Anglican clergyman), Naturalist, Writer, Historian
As a parson in the village of Selborne, White was deeply interested in the natural world around him. His observations and writings about the local flora and fauna laid the foundation for modern ecological studies.
Early Life and Background
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Gilbert White's life is closely tied to his birthplace in Selborne. He was born into a family of modest means but received a good education, which enabled him to pursue higher learning at Oxford University. After graduating from university, he became an Anglican clergyman and eventually returned to his home village as the parson.
White's love for nature began early in life, encouraged by his father, who was also interested in botany. The natural world around Selborne provided a rich source of inspiration for White's writing and research.
Major Accomplishments
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Gilbert White is best known for his work on English natural history. He wrote extensively about the local flora and fauna, which formed the basis of his most famous work, The Natural History of Selborne. This book, first published in 1789, details White's observations on the local wildlife and landscape.
Other notable accomplishments include:
Conducting systematic studies on birds, including their migration patterns
Recording weather conditions over an extended period to establish a baseline for future observations
Corresponding with other naturalists of his time, sharing knowledge and ideasNotable Works or Actions
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The Natural History of Selborne, White's magnum opus, is considered one of the first scientific accounts of English wildlife. This groundbreaking work covers topics such as:
A comprehensive catalog of local flora and fauna
Detailed descriptions of bird migration patterns
Observations on weather patterns and climate
White also kept a Naturalist's Diary from 1767 to 1789, which provides valuable insights into his research methods and the scientific understanding of his time.
Impact and Legacy
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Gilbert White's work had a lasting impact on English natural history. His observations and writings about local wildlife helped establish the foundation for modern ecological studies.
Influence on Darwin: Charles Darwin was deeply influenced by White's work, which he considered an essential reference for understanding the natural world.
Development of ecological science: White's research laid the groundwork for the study of ecosystems and the interconnectedness of living organisms with their environment.
Popularizing scientific knowledge: White's writing style made complex scientific concepts accessible to a broader audience.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Gilbert White is widely quoted and remembered due to his:
Groundbreaking contributions to English natural history
Accessible writing style, which popularized scientific knowledge among the general public
Enduring legacy in shaping modern ecological science
Quotes by Gilbert White
Gilbert White's insights on:
The mention of hews put me in mind that there is a total failure of that wild fruit, so conducive to the support of many of the winged nation.
The message of the study is water for the future. What we are suggesting is water protection for our children and grandchildren.
The most insignificant insects and reptiles are of much more consequence, and have much more influence in the economy of nature, than the incurious are aware of; and are mighty in their effect, from their minuteness, which renders them less an object of attention; and from their numbers and fecundity.
Providence has been so indulgent to us as to allow of but one venomous reptile of the serpent kind in these kingdoms, and that is the viper.
As the population in this region continues to grow and economic development increases, these countries must work together to ensure that ecosystems are preserved and adequate water supplies sustained.
Freshwater supplies in the Middle East now are barely sufficient to maintain a quality standard of living.
I make no doubt but there are three species of the willow-wrens: two I know perfectly; but have not been able yet to procure the third.
Numbers of snipes breed every summer in some moory ground on the verge of this parish.
You may depend on it that the bunting, emberiza miliaria, does not leave this country in the winter.