Edward Hindle facts for kids

Edward Hindle was an important British scientist who studied animals and insects, especially tiny creatures called parasites. He was born in 1886 and lived until 1973. He taught at the University of Glasgow and later helped run the famous London Zoo.

Edward Hindle's Early Life and Learning

Edward Hindle was born in Sheffield, England, on March 21, 1886. He learned a lot at home before going to college. In 1903, he won a special scholarship to study biology at the Royal College of Science. He continued his studies at King's College London. He even traveled to America to earn his Ph.D. from Berkeley University of California in 1910. Later, he returned to England and continued his research at Magdalene College, Cambridge.

Serving in World War I and Beyond

When World War I began in 1914, Edward Hindle joined the army. He became a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers. He served in countries like France and Palestine until 1919.

After the war, in 1922, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a special honor for scientists. He later served as a Vice President for this society.

In 1924, he became a Professor of Biology at Cairo University in Egypt. He then returned to England to do more research. He even led an expedition to China for the Royal Society from 1925 to 1928.

Time in Glasgow

From 1935 to 1943, Hindle was a special professor called the Regius Professor of Zoology at the University of Glasgow. He also looked after the Hunterian Museum there. He encouraged scientists to study genetics (how traits are passed down) and freshwater animals. One famous scientist he invited to work with him was Guido Pontecorvo.

During his time in Glasgow, he also helped train soldiers. He became a lieutenant colonel in the University's Officers' Training Corps. He also led a group of the local Home Guard, which helped protect the country during wartime.

He helped start the Zoological Society of Glasgow. This group later opened Calderpark Zoo. In 1942, he received another big honor, becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Leading the London Zoo

In 1943, Edward Hindle took on a new and exciting job. He became the first Scientific Director of the Zoological Society of London. This meant he was in charge of all the scientific work at the famous Regent’s Park Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo. He helped organize research and solve problems related to the animals.

Retirement and Amazing Discoveries

Hindle retired from the London Zoo in 1951. He also stopped working as the General Secretary of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. Even in retirement, he stayed busy. He continued to work for the Royal Geographical Society, which studies geography and exploration.

His most important work was studying diseases like leishmaniasis, yellow fever, and spirochaetoses. These diseases are spread by insects or ticks.

He also had a fun, smaller achievement. In 1931, he was given two pairs of golden hamsters from Syria. Guess what? Every golden hamster in Europe and other parts of the world today comes from those very hamsters!

Edward Hindle's Family Life

In 1919, Edward Hindle married Irene Margaret Twist. Sadly, she passed away in 1933. In 1936, he married Ellen Mary Theodora Schroeder. He did not have any children.

Edward Hindle passed away in London on January 22, 1973.