Sir Hans Sloane
Sir Hans Sloane (1660 – 1753) was born in Killyleagh, Ireland in
relatively modest circumstances. Inspired by a childhood interest
in natural history, he studied medicine in London and France. It
was said of him by William Stukeley, the antiquary, that he was "an
instance of the great power of industry which can advance a man to
a considerable height in the world's esteem with moderate parts
& learning..."
His career as a collector really began when in 1687, as personal
physician, he accompanied the new Governor, the Duke of Albermarle,
to Jamaica. He collected some 800 species of plants and other live
specimens to bring back to London. An account of his travels was
published in 1707 and 1725.
On his return to London in 1689 Sloane set up a successful medical
practice at his home in No. 3 Bloomsbury Place - coincidentally
just along the street from the present Museum building. He had a
good bedside manner and accumulated wealthy and aristocratic
patients, among them Queen Anne and Kings George I and II, but also
participated in charitable work.
An innovative doctor, Sloane promoted inoculation against
smallpox, the use of quinine (a treatment for malaria) and the
health-giving properties of drinking chocolate mixed with milk. He
became President of the College of Physicians in 1719 and in 1727
succeeded Sir Isaac Newton as President of the Royal Society.
In 1695 he married Elizabeth Langley, widow of Fulk Rose of
Jamaica. They had two surviving daughters, Sarah who married George
Stanley of Paultons, Hampshire and Elizabeth who became Lady
Cadogan. He was created a Baronet in 1716.
He absorbed complete collections made by others, among them
William Charlton (Courten) (1642-1702) and James Petiver (d.1718)
and also received objects from friends and patients. One wit called
him "the foremost toyman of his time". As a result his collection
outgrew the house at No. 3 Bloomsbury Place and he purchased No. 4
as well.
In 1742 he moved with his collections to a manor house in
Chelsea. His time there is still commemorated by such place names
as 'Sloane Square' and 'Hans Crescent'.
Sloane died at the age of 93 in 1753 and was buried at Chelsea
Old Church. His collection then amounted to more than 71,000
objects. Chiefly natural history specimens, the collection also
included 1,125 "things relating to the customs of ancient times or
antiquities" and 23,000 coins and medals. There were also 50,000
books, prints and manuscripts, together with a herbarium (a
collection of dried plants).
A group of Trustees was appointed under the terms of his will to
oversee the distribution of the collection which was left to King
George II for the nation. Parliament intervened and Sloane's
collection was acquired on payment of £20,000 to his two daughters
and became the foundation of the British Museum.
Further reading
Arthur MacGregor (ed), Sir Hans Sloane: Collector, scientist,
antiquary (London, 1994)
E St John Brooks, Sir Hans Sloane: The Great Collector and his
Circle (London, 1954)
Gavin R de Beer, Sir Hans Sloane and the British Museum (London,
1953).
Image: Portrait of Sir Hans Sloane, 1729.
John Faber after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Mezzotint.
Bequeathed by William Meriton Eaton, 2nd Baron Cheylesmore PD
1902,1011.1876