Background
Thomas Martyn was the son of the botanist John Martyn (1699–1768).
Thomas Martyn was the son of the botanist John Martyn (1699–1768).
He was educated in Chelsea and at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, graduating Bachelor in 1756 and becoming a fellow of Sidney Sussex College and being ordained deacon in 1758.
He is sometimes confused with the conchologist and entomologist of the same name. In 1759 he became Master of Arts and priest. In 1762 he succeeded his father as Professor of Botany at the University, and held the post until his death in 1825, though he only lectured until 1796 "as the subject was not popular".
Thomas Martyn"s professorship at Cambridge lasted for 63 years, while his father had held the same post for 29 years.
Thomas Martyn was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1786.
Royal Society.