Episode Summary: Sir Hans Sloane and the British Museum

Podcast: Stuff You Missed in History Class
Hosts: Holly Frey & Tracy V. Wilson
Release Date: November 11, 2024
Episode Title: Sir Hans Sloane and the British Museum

Introduction to the British Museum Experience

Timestamp: [02:40]

Holly Frey begins by sharing her recent visit to the British Museum in London. She describes the museum's unique layout, emphasizing its resemblance to a grand personal study filled with Sir Hans Sloane's personal collection. Holly notes, “What sets it off and what confused me initially is that there aren't a lot of placards and shelf talkers telling you what you're looking at” ([03:00]). Tracy V. Wilson echoes Holly’s sentiments, highlighting the captivating aesthetic of the early museum areas that showcase Sloane’s legacy.

Early Life of Sir Hans Sloane

Timestamp: [05:07] – [09:15]

Tracy delves into Sloane's origins, born on April 16, 1660, in Killile, Ulster, Ireland. Coming from a modest background, Hans was the seventh child of Alexander and Sarah Sloan, who had relocated from Scotland as servants during the Plantation of Ulster. Biographer James Del Burgo remarks, “he likely enjoyed highly cordial, if not familial, relations with the aristocratic Hamiltons” ([06:44]).

From a young age, Sloane exhibited a profound interest in plants and nature. He meticulously collected specimens such as seeds and eagle eggs, fostering a lifelong passion for natural history. Despite a severe illness during his teenage years, which led him to take his health seriously and pursue medicine, Sloane’s enthusiasm for collecting never waned.

Medical Education and Early Career

Timestamp: [09:15] – [10:48]

Sloane pursued medical studies in London and France, graduating from the University of Orange in 1683. In France, he befriended botanist Joseph Biton de Tournefort, whose work on plant classification significantly influenced Sloane’s own collecting practices. Upon returning to London, Sloane was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1685 and commenced his medical practice under the mentorship of Thomas Sydenham.

At 27, Sloane achieved two significant milestones: becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and accepting a perilous appointment as personal physician to the British governor of Jamaica, Christopher Monk, 2nd Duke of Albemarle. Tracy notes, “Sloane and Monk had actually met before” ([11:10]).

Sloane’s Journey to Jamaica and Collecting Expeditions

Timestamp: [10:48] – [17:48]

Sloane’s voyage to Jamaica marked the beginning of his extensive collecting endeavors. Despite warnings about the dangers, including piracy in the Caribbean, Sloane embarked on the journey, receiving substantial compensation and authority. During his 15-month stay, he not only served as Monk’s physician but also amassed around 800 plant samples and various fauna specimens. Holly reflects, “We need to collect and catalog all of it so we know what we have on earth” ([10:04]).

Sloane’s time in Jamaica was intertwined with the brutal realities of slavery. Enslaved individuals from West Africa played a crucial role in procuring and managing his extensive collections. Tracy emphasizes, “His writing about the non-white population is laced throughout with racism and a sense of superiority” ([22:56]).

The Legacy of Slavery in Sloane’s Collections

Timestamp: [22:56] – [24:59]

The podcast does not shy away from addressing the dark aspects of Sloane’s legacy. Tracy discusses how Sloane exploited enslaved labor, particularly enslaved women, for medical purposes and sample collection. Holly adds, “the work involved in gathering those materials has to be credited to enslaved people” ([23:44]).

This exploitation was foundational to building his vast collection, which later became integral to the British Museum. The hosts highlight the paradox of Sloane’s contributions to science and museums against the backdrop of his participation in and benefit from the colonial slave economy.

Contributions to Medicine and Public Health

Timestamp: [17:48] – [32:58]

Sloane was a progressive figure in medicine, advocating for practices ahead of his time. Tracy mentions Sloane’s push for increased water consumption and reduced alcohol intake, a stark contrast to contemporary beliefs ([18:59]). He also pioneered smallpox inoculations, both for the royal family and the public, despite the ethical implications of testing on incarcerated men in Newgate Jail.

Holly notes, “while it was his role, Sloane adopted the policy that the entire royal family should receive smallpox inoculations” ([31:31]). His medical advancements significantly impacted public health, although they were intertwined with ethical controversies.

Founding the British Museum

Timestamp: [29:17] – [41:59]

Upon his death in 1753, Sloane bequeathed his extensive collection to Britain, intending it to serve as a public museum. Tracy explains, “The British Museum Act 1753 established the British Museum on paper and provided for the acquisition of Sloan’s collection” ([41:30]). This act marked the creation of the world’s first free national public museum, a groundbreaking concept at the time.

Holly adds, “During Sloane’s life, he had amassed a collection of more than 71,000 items and more than 50,000 books” ([40:12]). The British Museum officially opened in 1759, housing Sloane’s contributions alongside other collections. Additionally, parts of his collection found homes in institutions like the Natural History Museum and the British Library.

Misconceptions: Sloane and the Invention of Milk Chocolate

Timestamp: [24:59] – [27:01]

The hosts address a common myth attributing the invention of milk chocolate to Sloane. Tracy clarifies, “Milk chocolate absolutely already existed. There were even recipes for it available in England well before Sloan’s trip” ([25:29]). While Sloane popularized a milky version of hot chocolate in London, he was not its sole inventor. The enduring legacy, however, kept his name associated with chocolate innovations.

Sloane’s Later Years and Honors

Timestamp: [30:49] – [32:58]

Sloane continued to influence both medicine and science throughout his life. Tracy highlights his presidency of the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal Society, making him a central figure in the scientific community. In 1716, King George I granted him a baronetcy, a rare honor for a physician, likely in recognition of his services ([31:18]).

Holly reflects on his commitment, stating, “He was helming both of those societies at the same time. Kind of makes him like the Grand Poobah of all things science” ([32:16]).

Fate of Sloane’s Collection and Lasting Impact

Timestamp: [33:38] – [44:12]

After retiring in 1741, Sloane continued his scholarly pursuits until his death at age 92 in 1753. Tracy recounts, “His time in the Caribbean came to a close” ([33:38]), detailing how his bequest led to the establishment of the British Museum.

Holly adds, “Some pieces lost over the years, particularly some of his preserved small animal specimens like lizards and birds” ([43:03]). Despite losses, Sloane’s collection remains a cornerstone of the British Museum and the Natural History Museum’s botanical archives. Statues commemorating Sloane in Chelsea Physic Garden symbolize his lasting legacy.

Listener Feedback and Acknowledgments

Timestamp: [44:13] – [46:33]

The episode concludes with listener mail addressing the use of the term "British Isles," emphasizing sensitivity towards geopolitical nuances. Holly and Tracy discuss the complexity of terminology, striving for inclusivity and respect for all listeners’ perspectives.

Reflections on Sloane’s Complex Legacy

Throughout the episode, Holly and Tracy paint a multifaceted portrait of Sir Hans Sloane—a pioneering physician and collector whose contributions to science and public knowledge are indelibly linked with colonial exploitation and racism. They eloquently navigate his achievements and the ethical compromises underpinning his legacy, encouraging listeners to critically engage with historical figures and their enduring impacts.

Notable Quotes:

• Holly Frey on Sloane’s collection approach:
  "What sets it off and what confused me initially is that there aren't a lot of placards and shelf talkers telling you what you're looking at." ([03:00])

• Tracy V. Wilson on Sloane’s social relations:
  “He likely enjoyed highly cordial, if not familial, relations with the aristocratic Hamiltons.” ([06:44])

• Holly Frey on the necessity of collection:
  “We need to collect and catalog all of it so we know what we have on earth.” ([10:04])

• Tracy V. Wilson on the impact of slavery:
  “His writing about the non-white population is laced throughout with racism and a sense of superiority.” ([22:56])

• Holly Frey reflecting on Sloane’s medical practices:
  “He was helming both of those societies at the same time. Kind of makes him like the Grand Poobah of all things science.” ([32:16])

This episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class offers a comprehensive exploration of Sir Hans Sloane's life, his monumental contributions to the British Museum, and the complex ethical landscape of his time. Through engaging storytelling and critical analysis, Holly and Tracy invite listeners to reflect on the intertwined legacies of scientific advancement and colonial history.