Joshua Brookes

Joshua Brookes (* November 24, 1761; † January 10, 1833 ) was a British biologist and anatomist.

Joshua Brookes began his training with Magnus Falconer and the anatomist Hewson at the age of 16 years. He was also a pupil of John Hunter, the famous British anatomist of the 18th century. Brookes taught anatomy, physiology and surgery in London. In the 40 years of his professional career, he trained about 7000 students, whatever it was partly that he demanded lower fees than lecture his colleagues. In addition to human medicine interested him in particular, the natural history and anatomy of animals. The Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal Veterinary College, however, rejected him as a councilor and auditor. Against this decision of the Duke spoke until 1826, when Brookes already retired from professional life, from Essex.

On June 25, 1831, a farewell dinner was held with his friends and students.

A painting by Thomas Philipps shows Brookes sitting at a desk in front of a Greek Atlas of Anatomy. Brookes had received this painting in 1821 by his students as a birthday gift. In 1826 he also received a marble bust of Robert William Sievier.

After he officially retired for health reasons from the teaching, Brookes held in the Zoological Society continues to lectures for members from. Among other things, he thematized here the anatomy of the ostrich.

Brookes was the founder of Brookesian museum, which he set up in his house in Blenheim Street. The collection, however, eventually came under the hammer of auctioneer. According to Brookes, the Erdchamäleongattung Brookesia is named. The actual first description of the genus from 1865 is from John Edward Gray.

He was buried in St. James' Church in Piccadilly. He left behind a son who served in the Royal Navy. According to D' Arcy Power was Joshua Brookes "the brother of the Celebrated menagerie keeper in Exeter 'Change ', ie the brother of the famous menagerie keeper in Exeter Change. In fact, had Edward Cross, the owner of this menagerie, good relations with Brookes, which eventually also led to that Brookes was involved in the autopsy of the elephant Chunee.

Works

• The Brookesian Museum. The Museum of Joshua Brookes [ ... ], London 1828
• Thoughts on the Best Means of Lessening the Destructive Progress of Cholera, London 1831