Mungo Park (1771-1806), Scottish surgeon and explorer of Africa. After training as a surgeon, Park joined an expedition to Sumatra in 1792. In 1795-6 he traced the course of the Niger River, travelling through dangerous unknown territory. During the trip he was captured by a local chieftain but escaped and continued exploring. On returning to Scotland he published 'Travels in the Interior Districts of Africa' (1799) and settled in Peebles as a surgeon. In 1805 he returned to Africa to explore the Niger by canoe. The trip ended in tragedy when the explorers were attacked and drowned. This artwork is the frontispiece from the 1807 edition of 'Travels'.