A disciple of Linnaeus, who complained about the lack of information regarding the natural history of Palestine, Hasselquist undertook a journey to that region provide further information. Having raised funds sufficient for the voyage, he reached Smyrna  towards the end of 1749. Hasselquist visited parts of Asia Minor, Egypt, Cyprus and Palestine, making large natural history collections, but his constitution, naturally weak, gave way under the fatigues of travel, and he died near Smyrna on his way home. Published posthumously by Linnaeus, Hasselquist's work achieved wide circulation. It was translated into English (1766) as Voyages and Travels in the Levant, in the Years 1749, 50, 51, 52: Containing observations in natural history, physick, agriculture and commerce: Particularly on the Holy Land and the natural history of the Scriptures. Digital facsimile of the Swedish edition from the Biodiversity Heritage Library at this link, of the English translation at this link.