History & Heritage

The Amazing World of James Hector: Explorer, Geologist, Botanist, Natural Historian, Surgeon - and One of New Zealand Science's Most Remarkable Figures

edited by Simon Nathan James Hector arrived in New Zealand in 1861 and within a few years had founded all the country's leading scientific bodies, including the national museum (now Te Papa), the New Zealand Institute (now the Royal Society) and the Geological Survey (now GNS Science). A man of seemingly unbounded energy and interests, at various times he was also responsible for the Met Department, Colonial Observatory, Wellington Botanic Garden and Patent Office library. In these superb essays, scientists, historians and Hector's descendants tell the fascinating story of Hector's life and work.