The Lives of Celebrated Travellers, Vol. 2 (of 3)

"The Lives of Celebrated Travellers, Vol. 2 (of 3)" by James Augustus St. John is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This volume appears to focus on the biographies of various notable explorers and botanists, detailing their life stories, travels, and contributions to science and knowledge. The book likely explores how these individuals navigated various cultures and environments in their quests for discovery and understanding. The opening of the book introduces Joseph Pitton de Tournefort, who is portrayed as a passionate botanist deeply engaged in the study of plants throughout his travels in Europe and the East. The narrative details his early life, his aversion to traditional theology, and his early experiences in botany, illustrating his adventurous spirit as he collects specimens and documents his findings. This section sets the tone for an exploration of Tournefort's character, his scientific pursuits, and the challenges he faced during his journeys, such as being mistaken for a robber or overcoming significant physical dangers while in exotic locales.