Ashmead's Kernel Ashmead's Kernel Ashmead's Kernel is a triploid cultivar of apple. Traditionally Ashmead's Kernel was thought to be diploid but a poor pollinator. Ashmead's Kernel is often reported as having been raised by Dr Ashmead in Gloucester, England in the 18th century. However Christine Leighton of the Gloucestershire Orchard Group suggests that the originator may have been William Ashmead, a lawyer who died in 1782. This dessert apple is of medium size, on average 83mm in diameter on vigorous rootstock and has a flat round shape. The base colour of the apple is greenish yellow, yet has a dull russet colour
James Grieve (Scottish translator) James Grieve (Scottish translator) James Grieve, M.D. FRS (died 1773) was a Scottish translator, writer and physician. As translator of ‘Celsus,’ his work helped restore a path to classical medicine. He was educated at Edinburgh University, where he graduated M.D. 1733. Grieve was authorized to practice medicine in Russia in 1734, arriving two years ahead of his contemporary James Mounsey, future archiater to Empress Elizabeth. He spent several years as physician to the Kazan,' moved to Orenburg, and then to Saint Petersburg, initially to the army hospital as physician to the guards regiment, and ultimately as "Shtadt-fizik" (City Physician). In