Centenary of Sir John Kirk

Abstract

MONDAY next, December 19, marks the centenary of the birth of Sir John Kirk, naturalist, and exploring colleague of David Livingstone. Born at Barry, near Arbroath, Kirk was educated at the University of St. Andrews, graduating there in the medical faculty in 1854. He served on the civil medical staff during the Crimean War; afterwards, for six years as naturalist and second in command of Livingstone's exploring expedition in Africa. Entering the consular service, he became consul-general at Zanzibar (1873), and ultimately (1880), political agent. In the latter capacity his influence was of high importance in the administrative affairs of East Africa. Kirk accompanied the Sultan of Zanzibar on a visit to England in 1875, a treaty for the abolition of slavery in that potentate's dominions having been concluded. Sir David Prain has recorded that Kirk's memory is perpetuated in many ways: geographers allude to the Kirk Range, west of the Shire River; zoologists to Kirk's gazelle; and botanists to the genus Kirkia. Kirk was elected a fellow of the Royal Society in 1887, and the Royal Geographical Society awarded him its patron's medal in 1882. Kirk was created G.C.M.G. (1886) and K.C.B. (1890). He died on January 15, 1922.