Jeanne Baret

Jeanne Baret was a French botanist who joined Louis Antoine de Bougainville’s circumnavigation expedition disguised as a man. She is the first woman known to have circumnavigated the globe.

Philibert Commerson: Philibert Commerson was a French naturalist and botanist who collected plants on Bougainville’s circumnavigation expedition. Commerson employed Baret as his assistant and traveled with her on the expedition.
La Comelle: La Comelle is a commune in eastern France, in the Burgundy region. Baret was born in this rural community in 1740.
French circumnavigation expedition (1766–1769): The French circumnavigation expedition of 1766–1769 was a voyage led by Louis Antoine de Bougainville to explore the Pacific and return to France. Baret joined this voyage as Commerson’s assistant, traveling across several oceans.
Solanum baretiae: Solanum baretiae is a species of flowering plant named in honor of Jeanne Baret. Its name recognizes Baret’s botanical work centuries after her voyage.
Louis Antoine de Bougainville: Louis Antoine de Bougainville was a French naval officer and explorer who led a circumnavigation expedition from 1766 to 1769. His expedition gave Baret the opportunity to sail around the world.
Burgundy: Burgundy is a historical region of east-central France, known for its vineyards and varied landscapes. Baret’s early life began in this region’s rural society.
Botanical collecting: Botanical collecting is the gathering and documentation of plant specimens for scientific study. Baret gathered plants alongside Commerson during the expedition.
Women in science: Women in science are women who have contributed to scientific research, institutions, and knowledge across history. Baret’s career illustrates how women’s scientific contributions could be obscured by exclusion.
Philippe de Nassau-Siegen: Philippe de Nassau-Siegen was a German-born nobleman who traveled with Bougainville’s expedition and later wrote about it. His account helped preserve details of Baret’s presence on the expedition.
Enlightenment: The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement emphasizing reason, systematic inquiry, and the circulation of knowledge. Baret’s botanical work belonged to an era of expanding scientific exploration.

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