Education
William studied medicine at Edinburgh University for the period 1766-1768.
William studied medicine at Edinburgh University for the period 1766-1768.
He enlisted in the navy and qualified on 1 December 1768 as surgeon"s first mate, being promoted to surgeon on 1 November 1770 and posted to the vessel HMS Barfleur (1768–1819). Anderson accompanied James Cook on his second voyage, boarding the Resolution on 12 December 1771 as surgeon"s mate. Anderson proved to be diligent and was chosen to accompany Cook on his third voyage as surgeon and naturalist, joining the Resolution again on 15 February 1776.
Though he had received no formal training as a naturalist, Anderson proved to be more than capable.
He described and put together a large collection of specimens for Joseph Banks and added considerably to the knowledge of Pacific languages. He is commemorated by the botanical subgenus Andersonia.
Anderson died of consumption on 3 August 1778 while the Resolution was on the Bering Sea. In a letter to the Earl of Sandwich, Joseph Banks states that Anderson"s family received the moneys due to them.
Disturbed by Anderson"s death, Cook wrote:
Cook, though, had become confused and tried to rename Saint Lawrence Island.
Anderson Point in Nootka Sound commemorates William Anderson.