Category:John Linton Palmer

John Linton Palmer 

Royal Navy officer, surgeon, amateur painter
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Date of birth	1824
Date of death	1903
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Staff Surgeon John Linton Palmer RN

John Linton Palmer (1824-1903) was a Staff Surgeon and amateur painter in the Royal Navy known for his voyages to the Pacific in the 1850s and 1860s, particularly during his service on HMS Topaze. He made significant contributions to the fields of medicine and natural history, and his collections and archives are of historical importance. Here is a brief biography of John Linton Palmer: Early Life and Education: John Linton Palmer was born in 1824, and he pursued a career in medicine. He joined the Royal Navy, where he held the rank of Staff Surgeon. Voyages to the Pacific: Palmer participated in several voyages to the Pacific region during the mid-19th century, where he served as a surgeon on naval vessels. He was twice in Easter Island, first 1852 on the HMS Portland. One of his notable assignments was on board HMS TOPAZE, 1st January 1868 - August 1869. Contributions to Science and Natural History: During his voyages, Palmer collected various objects, specimens, and data related to the natural history and cultures of the Pacific Islands. His collections, which include artifacts and biological specimens, are held at the British Museum, where they contribute to the study of Pacific Island cultures and biodiversity. Archival Legacy: In addition to his collections, John Linton Palmer's archives and records related to his voyages and research can be found at the Royal Geographical Society. These archives are valuable resources for historians, researchers, and scholars interested in the exploration and scientific endeavors of the 19th century.^{[1] [2]}

Pacific Voyages: Palmer embarked on several voyages to the Pacific Ocean, where he played a vital role in documenting the places he visited, their cultures, and their natural history. One of his most notable journeys was aboard the British frigate HMS Topaze. HMS Topaze Voyage (1868-1869): In the year 1868, John Linton Palmer joined the crew of HMS Topaze for a significant expedition across the Pacific. This expedition took the crew to various destinations, including Easter Island (Isla de Pascua). It was during this voyage that Palmer and his fellow officer, Lieutenant Matthew James Harrison, made important observations regarding the island's history and cultural artifacts. Contribution to Easter Island Research: While on Easter Island, Palmer and Harrison documented valuable information about the island's famous moai statues, including one known as Hoa Hakananai'a. They meticulously recorded the conditions in which the moai was found on the island and the circumstances surrounding its removal. Legacy: The observations and records made by John Linton Palmer during his Pacific voyages, particularly his visit to Easter Island, remain significant contributions to the understanding of the island's history, culture, and archaeological heritage. His diaries and writings have provided researchers with valuable insights into the past. Archival Records: John Linton Palmer's diaries and records from his voyages, including the HMS Topaze expedition, are preserved at the Royal Geographical Society, where they serve as valuable resources for historians, archaeologists, and researchers interested in the Pacific region's history. ^[3]

1. ↑ https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/BIOG126950
2. ↑ https://www.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/rmgc-object-482995
3. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-45139107