WLL A Plant History - The Work of Colonial Botanist Frederick Manson Bailey

Join us for a talk on Manson Bailey, famous botanist, by Dr Janet Spillman.

Abstract:

Frederick Manson Bailey was employed to name and publish Queensland plants from 1874 to 1915. At a time when Queensland’s plant-based economy was dependent on primary industries, he advised government and business on the wise use of grass and forest resources. He had a particular interest in weeds, poisonous plants and medicinal plants, along with decorative plants like ferns. He publicized Queensland plants in his publications, in Brisbane’s Museum of Technology, and at international exhibitions.

Speaker bio:

Janet Spillman is interested in the way people interact with the natural environment. She has published the history of Mt Coot-tha and a history of logistics in the Palestine campaign of the first world war. She is currently writing the history of Frederick Manson Bailey, which was the subject of her doctoral dissertation.