JOHANN KARL ERNST DIFFENBACH 1811-1855

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTIONEARLY LIFEHow he did itWHAT HE DIDADULTHOODDieffenbachiaTravel in new ZealandBibliography

INTRODUCTION

Johann Karl Ernst Diffenbach, was born in Giessen, Germany, on the 27th of January 1811. Diffenbach was a German geologist, naturalist and physician, the first trained scientist to live and work in New Zealand. Shortly after his visit to New Zealand, he had to return back to England. He then published a book called ‘ Travel In New Zealand’ in 1843, which tells reports about his visit. Diffenbach tried to return to New Zealand but was unsuccessful. Eventually he settled in Germany and became a geology professor and museum director.

EARLY LIFE Diffenbach attended medical school and

got his degree at the university of Giessen. After being accused of trying to overthrow the government he then fled to Zurich. There he received his medical degree. He was then expelled for political reasons, then later in 1837, he arrived in London. He taught German, but was later known for his scientific and medical journals. He became close friends with Charles Lyell and Richard Owen.

How he did it In 1839, Diffenbach sailed to New Zealand on the Tory. He sailed

to New Zealand as a surgeon and naturalist, together with his friends Charles Lyell and Richard Owen. He was a well trained medical doctor and was recommended to the New Zealand company, by the Royal Geographical Society. Diffenbach was an unpaid naturalist, and job was to report on the country’s flora, mineral and water resources for new settlement. Diffenbach travelled widely throughout the North Island, and also spent four weeks on the Chatham Islands. He discovered many new species of birds in New Zealand and was the first person to use the term ‘greywacke’ to describe the country’s mountain ranges. The shells, pressed plants, bird skins and rock specimens he collected were sent to London where they were put in the British Museum and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.

1. Richard Owen 2.Charles Lyell3. Tory Ship

Tory Voyage

The Tory was a sailing ship, sent to pick up fresh water, food and wood before going to Port Nicholson (Wellington Harbour). On board were, representatives of the New Zealand company, sent for readying the country for new settlers. The group were led by Colonel William Wakefield, brother of the Company's leading figure. He was joined by his brother's son, E. J. Wakefield, naturalist Ernst Dieffenbach, draughtsman Charles Heaphy and interpreter Nahiti. Dr John Dorset had been appointed as Colonial Surgeon and Captain Edward Main Chaffers as master of the ship.

What he did

DIffenbach was the first trained scientist to live

and work in New Zealand. He wrote numerous

reports for the New Zealand Company. He sent

collections of animals, rocks and even plants. Many

plants are named after him, one of which is called

the Dieffenbachia. Other then being the first

scientist to work in New Zealand, Diffenbach was

also the first person to climb Mount Egmont

successfully. Ernst Diffenbach explored many places

in the north island. Tongariro, Taupo, Waikato,

Whaingaroa, and he even visited the Chatham

islands.

What happened After his work for the New Zealand company

was completed, Diffenbach offered to make a scientific exploration of New Zealand. But Governor Gipps could not afford his travel expenses, and declined him. In October 1841 Dieffenbach had to return to England, where he published his report on the Chatham Islands in the New Zealand Journal. His book, Travel in New Zealand, was published in 1843. Two years later he wrote a report on the geology of the country to the British Association.

Governor Gips

ADULTHOOD

Attempts to return to New Zealand were unsuccessful. After the revolution of 1848 he taught at Giessen, where he was later appointed supernumerary professor of geology. He died at Giessen in October 1855. In 1850 he was named adjunct professor of geology in Giessen. Sadly in 1855 Diffenbach died.

Information about personal life unavailable

Things happening in the time 1811-1855

1811 - Earthquake hits New Madrid, Missouri, causing widespread damage

1812 Napoleon's Grand Army destroyed and retreats from Moscow1815- Napoleon escapes exile in Elba and re-takes Paris1815 Napoleon escapes exile in Elba and re-takes Paris 1815 Napoleon's final defeat by Duke of Wellington at Waterloo -

exiled1822- Brazil becomes nominally independent of Portugal1824 Charles X succede’s as King of France1830 -French capture Algeria from Turks1837 -Queen Victoria comes to British throne1840 -Victoria marries Albert of Saxe-Coburg1849 -Giuseppe Garibaldi defends Italy against France and Austria1855 -David Livingstone "discovers" Victoria Falls

Dieffenbachia

The Dieffenbachia was named after Ernst Diffenbach. Dieffenbachia plants can grow outdoors in tropical climates, but if kept as houseplants must be kept indoors during most of the year outside the tropics. Temperatures below about 10˚C can kill the plant. The dieffenbachia plant contain needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals called Raphides. Dieffenbachia responds well to hot temperatures and dry climates.

The sap from the Dieffenbachia is toxic. Its common name “dumb cane”. This plant causes temporary speechlessness when touched to the tongue. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Dieffenbachia Raphides

Travel in New Zealand

Click on the link below:

http://www.archive.org/stream/travelsinnewzeal01diefr

ich#page/n5/mode/2up

Travel in New Zealand was written by Johann Karl

Ernst Diffenbach. The book he wrote was about his

travel to New Zealand, it was more of a journal. It

told about the different places he visited and

different species he discovered. His observations

were acute (small) about the natural history he

mainly recorded. He wrote recorded many things

about the Maori, including a study of their language.

Bibliographyhttp://www.google.co.nz/#hl=en&rlz=1R2SKPT_enNZ403&sa=X&ei=J-wITp2EMM6KmQXP5bSaCQ&ved=0CCsQvwUoAQ&q=travel+in+New+Zealand+by+Dieffenbach&spell=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=269e7e02cdc6bbe1&biw=1280&bih=627http://www.natlib.govt.nz/collections/online-exhibitions/early-explorers-and-collectors/johann-dieffenbachhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_Dieffenbachhttp://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/dieffenbach-ernst/1http://www.tripadvisor.com/AllReviews-g664088-Dieffenbach_au_Val_Bas__Alsace.htmlhttp://www.lukemastin.com/history/colonial_africa.htmlhttp://www.archive.org/stream/travelsinnewzeal01diefrich#page/n5/mode/2up

BY NORATISHA