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Science and Society
John Davidson (August 6, 1878–February 10, 1970)
John Davidson was a botanist who popularized nature study through illustrated public lectures. He created the Vancouver Natural History Society and the University of British Columbia’s herbarium and botanical garden. Today, many consider Davidson an environmental folk hero for his conservation efforts.
Learn about the history of women in botany, especially with regard to Davidson’s contemporaries, Mary Jane Gruchy and Julia Wilmotte Henshaw.
Read a brief history of Canadian immigration, including the story of the imprisonment of Canadians of Japanese descent during the Second World War. John Davidson corresponded with Sunao “Steve” Shigematsu, a member of the Vancouver Natural History Society, who was forced into an internment camp during this episode of Canadian history.
Learn how John Davidson’s hard work and persistence helped him succeed in spite of the barriers of his working-class background.