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Abstract

Park, Mungo (1771–1806). Explorer and travel writer. He was born on 10 September 1771 at Foulshiels near Selkirk, the son of a farmer. He was educated at Selkirk Grammar School and at the age of 14 was apprenticed to a local doctor, Dr Thomas Anderson. In 1788 he went to the University of Edinburgh to study medicine and he remained there until 1792, when he completed his surgical training without the formality of taking a degree. After a rapid course at the Company of Surgeons in London, he became a ship’s surgeon on a voyage to the Far East, an experience that awakened his interest in travel and exploration with a scientific purpose. On his return he offered his services to the African Association which had been established in 1788 to promote African exploration for commercial and scientific reasons.