John White entered the First Fleet as an experienced Royal Navy surgeon. He considered the convicts' long salt-meat diet poor preparation for the voyage, obtained fresh meat and vegetables, and arranged for them to spend time on deck in fresh air. In New South Wales he organized a hospital despite limited medical supplies, investigated Australian plants for medicinal use, and distilled eucalyptus oil. His journal was translated into German and French and included 65 copperplate engravings based on Sarah Stone's watercolors of material brought back from Australia. The government later assigned convict artist Thomas Watling to produce copies of illustrations of plants, insects, and animals for White. White disliked Australia; after receiving leave, he resigned rather than return and continued his naval medical career in Britain.
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John White builds the colony's medical service
The fleet's principal naval surgeon improved diet and ventilation, organized the New South Wales hospital, and investigated Australian plants and animals.