Albert George Dew-Smith facts for kids

Albert George Dew-Smith (born October 27, 1848 – died March 17, 1903) was a talented British scientist and inventor. He was known for many things, like studying how the body works (a physiologist), making special lenses, collecting books, and taking amazing photos. He even helped start a famous company called the Cambridge Scientific Instrument Company. He also worked with another scientist, Michael Foster, on important early research.

Early Life and Education

Albert George Dew-Smith was born in Salisbury, England. His birth name was Albert George Dew. In 1870, he inherited a lot of property. After that, he changed his name to Dew-Smith.

He went to Harrow School when he was younger. Later, he studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. He earned degrees in Natural Sciences in 1873 and 1876. He was one of the first students of Michael Foster. Together, they studied how electricity affects the hearts of animals like molluscs and frogs. He even visited the Naples Zoological Station in Italy three times for his research. He loved Italy and went back for visits later in his life.

In 1895, he married Alice Lloyd. She was an author from New Zealand. They did not have any children. They lived in a place called Chesterton Hall in Cambridge. Albert George Dew-Smith passed away in Fulham, London. He is buried in Histon Road Cemetery, Cambridge.

A Career of Many Talents

Dew-Smith was a wealthy man. He used his own money to help start The Journal of Physiology. This was an important science magazine. His friend, Michael Foster, was the first editor. Dew-Smith also helped create The Physiological Society. This group brought scientists together to share their discoveries.

Around 1876-1878, Dew-Smith stopped doing scientific research himself. However, he stayed interested in making tools for science labs. He also kept in touch with scientists in Cambridge. He had his own workshop where he made high-quality lenses for microscopes. Later, he started the Cambridge Engraving Company. In 1881, he teamed up with Horace Darwin to create the Cambridge Scientific Instrument Company. This company made many important scientific tools.

Photography and Collecting

Albert George Dew-Smith became a well-known photographer. He was especially good at taking portraits of people and pictures of scientific equipment. In 1884, he joined the Photographic Society of Great Britain. He even showed his photos at an exhibition in 1885. He was also a member of the Cambridge Philosophical Society.

After he got married, he stopped working in business every day. But he still enjoyed photography and making prints as a hobby. He even made copies of old books and handwritten papers. Dew-Smith was a big collector of art, books, and jewels. He started collecting when he inherited money in 1870. He owned many first editions and original handwritten papers by famous writers. These included William Blake, Lord Byron, and Percy Bysshe Shelley. He was also a member of several special clubs, like the Savile and Rabelais clubs in the 1880s. He also joined the Society of Dilettanti in 1878.

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