Erasmus Darwin

Erasmus Darwin (1731–1802) was a British physician, botanist, philosopher, and writer. Born in Elston, he was educated at the University of Edinburgh and St John's College. His fields of work included medicine, botany, biology, and poetry. He was a member of the Royal Society, the Lunar Society of Birmingham, and the American Philosophical Society, and received the award of Fellow of the Royal Society.

Darwin had fourteen children, including Robert Darwin. He wrote in English, with notable works including *Zoonomia*, *The loves of plants*, and *Beauties of The botanic garden*. His writings are held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. He died in Breadsall.