Peter (1693-1768), an eminent naturalist and antiquary, descended of an ancient family, was born at Hugal Hall near Windermere, Westmoreland. In his youth he showed an ardent attachment to natural history, and began early to form a botanical collection. He soon made himself acquainted with the most eminent naturalists of his time; and Drs Derham, Woodward, Hale, Lloyd, and Sloane, were among his intimate friends. Through the friendship of Sir Hans Sloane, especially, he became familiar with that superb collection which is now in the British Museum. In the department of horticulture we are indebted to Collinson for the great variety of seeds and shrubs which are now the principal ornaments of every garden. His scientific correspondence embraced every nation in Europe, and extended in Asia as far as Pekin. To him Dr Franklin communicated his first essays on electricity; and Linnæus, who had become acquainted with him during his residence in England, continued to correspond with him till his death.

Besides his knowledge of natural history, Collinson was familiar with the antiquities of our own country, and read many interesting papers to the Society of Antiquaries, of which he had been elected a member. He left behind him valuable materials for the advancement of his favourite study; and from him a genus of labiate plants has been named Collinsonia.