Robert John Thornton

Robert John Thornton (1768–1837) was an influential English physician and botanical writer, best known for his major works, A New Illustration of the Sexual System of Carolus Von Linnæus (1797–1807) and The British Flora (1812).
Born to Bonnell Thornton, Robert studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he developed a keen interest in botany, inspired by the lectures of John Martyn and the groundbreaking work of Carl Linnaeus. Initially on a path toward the Church, he shifted his focus to medicine, later practicing at Guy's Hospital in London, where he also lectured on medical botany. Following the deaths of his brother and mother, he inherited a substantial family fortune.
Thornton began his ambitious project, A New Illustration of the Sexual System of Carolus von Linnaeus, in 1799. This comprehensive botanical work was intended to consist of three parts. The first two parts focused on the sexual classification of plants, while the third, The Temple of Flora (1799–1807), featured stunning colored plates, many engraved by Thomas Medland from paintings by Philip Reinagle. Despite his vision of publishing seventy folio-sized plates, the project struggled due to lack of public interest, leading to financial difficulties. Ultimately, around 800 copies were produced, each containing 31 plates along with poetry and notes on flower lore.
In addition to his notable works on botany, Thornton published Elements of Botany in 1812, dedicating it to Rev. Thomas Martyn, further solidifying his contributions to the field. Despite his initial success, Thornton faced financial ruin later in life and died in destitution. His legacy endures through his botanical publications, which continue to be referenced in the field of botany. The standard author abbreviation "Thornton" is still used to cite his botanical contributions.