Edward Griffith (zoologist) facts for kids
Edward Griffith (born 1790, died 1858) was a British expert on nature and animals, also known as a naturalist. He was also a solicitor, which is a type of lawyer. Griffith wrote his own books about animals. He also helped translate a very important book called Règne animal by Georges Cuvier. He added many new details to this translation.
Contents
About Edward Griffith
Edward Griffith was born in 1790. His father was William Griffith from a place called Stanwell in Middlesex, England. Edward went to St. Paul's School, London when he was ten years old. He studied there until he was sixteen.
After school, he started working as a clerk in a legal office. Later, he became a solicitor, which means he was a lawyer who helped people with legal matters. He also became a master in the Court of Common Pleas.
Edward Griffith was very interested in animals. He was one of the first people to join the Zoological Society of London. This society helps study and protect animals. He was also a member of other important groups, like the Linnean Society and the Royal Society. These groups focus on science and history. Edward Griffith passed away on January 8, 1858.
His Work with Animals
Edward Griffith loved to study and write about animals.
Writing About Vertebrates
In 1821, he started publishing a big book series. It was called General and Particular Descriptions of the Vertebrated Animals. Vertebrated animals are those with a backbone, like fish, birds, and mammals. The first part of this book was all about monkeys and lemurs. It had many colorful pictures.
Translating Animal Kingdom
His most famous work was helping to translate and add to Georges Cuvier's book, Règne animal. This book is also known as Animal Kingdom. It was a huge project, published in fifteen volumes between 1827 and 1834.
Griffith was the main editor of this large work. He had help from other experts:
- Major Charles Hamilton Smith and Edward Pidgeon helped with the parts about mammals.
- Edward Pidgeon also helped with molluscs (like snails and clams).
- John Edward Gray worked on the sections about birds.
- George Robert Gray helped with insects.
The translated Animal Kingdom book was very detailed. It described many animal species that had been named before. It also introduced many new names for animals. The book was filled with beautiful, colorful pictures.
