ARMAND DAVID Meaning and
Definition
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Armand David, also known as Père (Father) David or Abbé David, was a French Catholic missionary and naturalist who lived in the 19th century. His full name was Jean Pierre Armand David. He is primarily remembered for his zoological and botanical discoveries during his travels in China.
Armand David was born on September 7, 1826, in Espelette, France. He joined the Congregation of the Mission (also known as the Lazarists) and was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1852. In 1862, he was sent as a missionary to China, particularly to the region of Beijing.
During his time in China, Armand David embarked on extensive explorations of the local fauna and flora. He made significant contributions to the field of natural history by discovering and describing numerous species previously unknown to the Western world. One of his most famous discoveries was the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), which he encountered during his travels in Sichuan province.
Armand David's collections of specimens, including animals, plants, and seeds, were sent back to Europe and contributed to the enrichment of various scientific institutions and collections. His observations and findings significantly expanded the knowledge of Chinese biodiversity among European naturalists and laid the foundation for future research in the region.
Armand David died on November 10, 1900, in Paris, France, leaving behind a legacy as both a dedicated missionary and a prominent naturalist. His contributions to the world of science and his exploration of China continue to be recognized and celebrated today.
Etymology of ARMAND DAVID
The term "Armand David" is not related to the etymology of a word, but rather refers to a person's name.
Armand David (1826-1900) was a French Lazarist missionary and naturalist who extensively explored China and Tibet during the 19th century. He is renowned for his discoveries and collections of plants, animals, and fossils, which greatly contributed to the field of zoology and botany.
The name "Armand" is of Germanic origin and means "army man" or "soldier", while "David" is of Hebrew origin and means "beloved" or "friend". It is worth noting that the etymology of personal names can vary depending on cultural and linguistic contexts.
