CN01 – Rhubarb


       
Stitcher: Jenni Barr (Hong Kong)

John Bell (1691-1780) was born in Dunbartonshire and studied medicine at Glasgow. In 1714 he sought employment in St Petersburg, becoming the doctor to Russia’s Persian embassy. Such work ensured he travelled widely in the east, including a considerable time spent in China. Here he encountered rhubarb, taking some samples and later reporting what he knew of it to John Hope of the Royal Physic Garden in Edinburgh. Another Scot in Russia, James Mounsey, also cultivated rhubarb and continued growing it on his return to Scotland. John Bell’s account of his travels became an international best seller, as did rhubarb!      

 CN01 Iain Bell – Rùbarub
Rugadh Iain Bell (1691–1780) ann an siorrachd Dhùn Bhreatainn agus dh’ionnsaich e eòlasleigheis ann an Glaschu. Ann an 1714, chaidh e a shireadh cosnaidh ann an St Petersburg, mar a’ chiad lighiche ann an ambasaid Phèirsianach na Ruis. Bha a leithid sin de dh’obair a’ ciallachadh gun robh e a’ siubhal fad’ is farsaing san taobh sear, a’ gabhail a-steach ùine mhath air a cur seachad ann an Sìona. An seo, thàinig e tarsainn air rùbarub agus thug e leis sampallan dheth, ag aithris a chuid fiosrachaidh ma dheidhinn às dèidh sin do dh’Iain Hope bho Ghàrradh Fiosaig Rìoghail Dhùn Èideann. Bha Albannach eile anns an Ruis, Seumas Mounsey, a’ fàs rùbarub cuideachd agus lean ae air adhart ga fhàs nuair a thill e a dh’Alba. Bha cunntas Iain Bell air a chuid siubhail na leabhar le cliù àrd-inbheil, dìreach mar a bha an rùbarub!