George Allman (natural historian) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George James Allman
FRS FRSE
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George James Allman
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| Born | 1812 Cork, Ireland
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| Died | 24 November 1898 Parkstone, Poole, Dorset
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| Nationality | Irish |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Dublin |
| Known for | Gymnoblast group of the hydrozoa |
| Spouse(s) | Hannah Louisa Shaen |
| Children | None |
| Awards | Royal Medal (1873) Linnean Medal (1896) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | naturalist |
George James Allman (1812 – 24 November 1898) was an important Irish scientist. He was a naturalist, which means he studied plants and animals. He was also a botanist (plant expert) and a zoologist (animal expert).
Allman was a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE). These are special honors given to top scientists. He taught natural history at Edinburgh University in Scotland.
George Allman's Life and Work
George Allman was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1812. His father was James C. Allman. George went to school at the Royal Academical Institution in Belfast.
At first, he studied to become a lawyer. But he soon decided that natural science was his true passion. He loved learning about nature.
In 1843, he earned a medical degree from Trinity College, Dublin. The next year, he became a professor of botany (the study of plants) at the same university. He took over from another botanist named William Allman.
George Allman taught in Dublin for about twelve years. Then, he moved to Edinburgh, Scotland. There, he became a special professor of natural history. He stayed in this role until 1870.
He decided to retire because of his health. He moved to Dorset, England. In his free time, he enjoyed horticulture, which is the art of gardening.
Scientific Discoveries
George Allman wrote many scientific papers. His most important work was about a group of tiny sea animals called hydrozoa. These animals are related to jellyfish.
In 1871-1872, he published a very detailed book about the gymnoblast group of hydrozoa. This book was based on his own research. It also had excellent drawings that he made himself.
Allman also gave us some important scientific words. For example, he used the terms endoderm and ectoderm. These words describe the two main cell layers in the body walls of simple sea creatures like jellyfish.
Awards and Leadership
Allman became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1854. This is a very prestigious group for scientists. He received the Royal Medal in 1873 for his scientific work. In 1878, he was awarded the Cunningham Medal.
He was also a leader in many scientific groups.
- From 1859 to 1860, he was President of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh.
- From 1874 to 1881, he was President of the Linnaean Society. This society focuses on natural history.
- In 1879, he led the British Association meeting in Sheffield.
George Allman passed away on November 24, 1898. He died in Ardmore, Parkstone, and is buried in Poole Cemetery.
Family Life
George Allman was married to Hannah Louisa Shaen. They did not have any children.
His family owned a business called Allman's Bandon Distillery. This was a place where drinks were made. His brother, Richard Allman, was a partner in the distillery. Richard was also a Member of Parliament.
