Banks, Sarah Sophia (1744–1818)
Banks, Sarah Sophia (1744–1818)
British naturalist. Born in 1744, probably at Revesby Abbey, Lincolnshire; died in 1818 in London, England; daughter of Sarah (Bate) Banks and William Banks; sister of botanist Joseph Banks (1743–1820).
Though not a scientist, Sarah Sophia Banks earned her reputation by assisting her brother, botanist Joseph Banks, with whom she lived. When Joseph married in 1779, his wife joined the household, and the three evidently lived quite harmoniously together until the end of their lives. Said to be somewhat eccentric in appearance and personality, Banks possessed a sharp, inquiring mind. She discussed scientific questions with her brother, and many of her interpretations and ideas found their way into his writings. She also transcribed much of his work; one of her more tedious assignments was copying the entire manuscript of his Newfoundland voyage journal, published in 1766.
Barbara Morgan , Melrose, Massachusetts