Complex sentence: Basil Hall (December 31,1788-September 11,1844) was a naval officer, traveller, and author, the second son of Sir James Hall, 4th Baronet, an eminent man of science.
Split into simpler sentences: Basil Hall (1788-September 11,1844) was a naval officer, traveller, and author. He was the second son of Sir James Hall, an eminent man of science.