# Jeanne Baret

> French explorer, naturalist and botanist (1740-1807)

**Wikidata**: [Q437168](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q437168)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanne_Baret)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jeanne-baret

## Summary
Jeanne Baret was a French explorer, naturalist, and botanist (1740–1807) known for her groundbreaking voyages to the Pacific and her contributions to botanical science. She documented rare plant species, including *Solanum baretiae*, and challenged gender norms by traveling independently as a woman in the 18th century.

## Biography
- **Born:** July 27, 1740, in Périgueux, France
- **Nationality:** French
- **Education:** Trained in botany and natural history
- **Known for:** Pioneering botanical exploration in the Pacific and documenting new plant species
- **Employer(s):** None; worked independently as a naturalist
- **Field(s):** Botany, natural history, exploration

## Contributions
- **Documented *Solanum baretiae***: Named a new species of nightshade after her during her Pacific voyage (1766–1769).
- **Pacific Exploration**: Conducted botanical surveys in the South Pacific, including Tahiti and the Society Islands, contributing to early botanical knowledge.
- **Challenged Gender Norms**: Traveled extensively as a woman in a male-dominated field, paving the way for future female explorers.

## FAQs
### What was Jeanne Baret’s primary field of study?
Jeanne Baret was a botanist and naturalist, specializing in the study of plants and natural history. Her work focused on documenting rare plant species during her voyages.

### Where did Jeanne Baret conduct her botanical research?
Jeanne Baret conducted botanical surveys in the South Pacific, including Tahiti and the Society Islands, during her 1766–1769 voyage.

### What plant species was named after Jeanne Baret?
*Solanum baretiae*, a species of nightshade, was named in her honor after she documented it during her Pacific expedition.

### How did Jeanne Baret challenge gender norms in her field?
Jeanne Baret traveled independently as a woman in the 18th century, conducting botanical exploration in a male-dominated field, which was highly unusual at the time.

## Why They Matter
Jeanne Baret’s work in botanical exploration and her independent voyages as a woman in the 18th century broke barriers in scientific and gender norms. Her discoveries, such as *Solanum baretiae*, expanded botanical knowledge, and her travels inspired future female explorers. Her legacy endures as a pioneer in both natural history and gender equality in science.

## Notable For
- **First woman to conduct independent botanical exploration in the Pacific**.
- **Named a new plant species (*Solanum baretiae*) after her**.
- **Challenged 18th-century gender restrictions in scientific fields**.
- **Contributed to early botanical knowledge of the South Pacific**.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Jeanne Baret was born on July 27, 1740, in Périgueux, France. She received training in botany and natural history, preparing her for her future work in scientific exploration.

### Pacific Voyage and Botanical Discoveries
Between 1766 and 1769, Jeanne Baret conducted botanical surveys in the South Pacific, including Tahiti and the Society Islands. Her work led to the discovery and documentation of *Solanum baretiae*, a new species of nightshade named in her honor.

### Gender and Scientific Exploration
Jeanne Baret’s independent voyages as a woman in the 18th century were highly unusual. Her work challenged gender norms in science, paving the way for future female explorers.

### Legacy and Influence
Jeanne Baret’s contributions to botanical science and her pioneering spirit as a female explorer have left a lasting impact. Her discoveries and travels continue to inspire researchers and historians studying the history of science and gender in exploration.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.sudouest.fr/2016/11/14/dordogne-l-incroyable-histoire-de-jeanne-barret-la-premiere-femme-a-avoir-fait-le-tour-du-monde-2568081-726.php?nic)
2. general catalog of BnF
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](https://pantheon.world/profile/person/Jeanne_Baret)
5. BnF authorities
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013