ABSTRACT
In this chapter Donati’s studies and achievements are described in order to understand how he came to lead the expedition to Egypt and beyond. His early education, his formal qualifications and travels are described to show how he gained his reputation for excellence in science and botany. The events that brought Donati to the notice of the king are discussed, and the organisation of his expedition with the creation of a formal note of instructions, the Memoria Istruttiva, is outlined. Finally, Donati’s planned expedition route is shown on a world map which also highlights the part of the journey he actually completed.
