Was Nicholas Miklouho-Maclay a spy? That’s the question some historians ponder when they consider this plaque honoring the centenary of his death. The Centenary of the Death of Nicholas Miklouho-Maclay Plaque commemorates a man of science. He was also a man of intrigue. This plaque stands as a testament to his complex legacy.
Nicholas Miklouho-Maclay was born in Russia in 1846. Maclay inherited his name from an old Scottish family connection. He was a true polymath. Maclay studied philosophy, law, medicine and zoology. He also spoke Russian, German, French and English fluently.
He arrived in New Guinea in 1871. There he studied the language and culture of the local people. Maclay sought to protect them from the negative impacts of colonization.
Later, Maclay came to Sydney. He arrived in July 1878. He brought with him many specimens, drawings and artifacts. Maclay quickly became popular in Sydney society. In August, he spoke to the Linnean Society. He advocated for a marine research lab in Sydney.
He continued his studies in Queensland. Maclay also explored the islands off the coast. In 1881, he established the world’s second biological research station at Watson’s Bay. This was done with the support of the Linnean Society and the NSW government.
In 1882, Maclay traveled to Russia. He gave lectures during his visit. The Imperial Geographical Society awarded him a gold medal. The Tsar also gave him a certificate of honor. Maclay returned to Sydney by way of Port Said, Batavia and New Guinea. He married Margaret Clark upon his return. She was the widowed daughter of Sir John Robertson. Robertson was the Premier of NSW. Maclay continued his research. He also campaigned for Indigenous rights. He lobbied against the colonization of New Guinea.
Maclay returned to Russia with his wife and sons in 1886. He lectured in St Petersburg. Maclay visited family estates. He arranged for some of his research to be published. In Vienna, he and his wife remarried. This was done according to the rites of the Russian Orthodox Church. Maclay intended to return to Sydney. However, he died on April 2, 1888. He was 41 years old and died of an undiagnosed brain tumor. Most of his papers were burned after his death. Maclay believed they wouldn’t be understood. They were written in many languages.
During the Soviet era, Maclay became a symbol of equality. He showed how the Soviet Union would treat Indigenous people. This would be more humanely than the West.
Although largely forgotten in Australia, Maclay was a leader in scientific research. He strongly supported Indigenous people. He established a world-class marine research center. Today, Moscow’s Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology bears his name. The University of Sydney offers an annual fellowship in his honor. The Centenary of the Death of Nicholas Miklouho-Maclay Plaque serves as a reminder. Maclay was a complex figure. He left a lasting impact on both science and society.