ABSTRACT
The first child born to Anton and Rosine Mendel was a daughter, Veronika. Then, on July 22, 1822, as second child, came a boy, who was christened Johann after his paternal uncle. The additional name of Gregor, by which he was known during his monastic life, was not given to him until much later, when he became a member of the Augustinian order. Down to the end of his life, even long after he had ceased to take any practical interest in botanical science, Gregor Johann Mendel retained his fondness for fruit-growing. As a boy Johann Mendel was short, but broad-shouldered and sturdy. Gregor Mendel’s prospects of continuing a life of study were slender indeed. In 1841 Mendel returned to the study of philosophy at Olmutz, and was now able, after taking much trouble in the search for pupils, to provide for his most essential needs with the money earned by private tuition.
