Isabella Gordon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isabella Gordon
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| Born | 18 May 1901 |
| Died | 11 May 1988 (aged 86) |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Alma mater | University of Aberdeen Imperial College |
| Known for | carcinology |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Natural History Museum |
Dr. Isabella Gordon (18 May 1901 – 11 May 1988) was an important Scottish marine biologist. She was a top expert on crabs and sea spiders, a field called carcinology. Dr. Gordon worked at the famous Natural History Museum in London. She received a special award, the OBE, in 1961 for her amazing work.
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Early Life and Education
Isabella Gordon was born in Keith, Scotland, on May 18, 1901. She was the oldest child of Margaret and James Gordon. She went to Keith Grammar School. In 1918, she started studying at the University of Aberdeen.
Because she didn't have much money for her studies, she worked as a student helper in zoology classes. She earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in zoology. She also trained to be a primary and science teacher.
In 1923, she won a research scholarship to study soft corals (called alcyonaria). She then did her PhD research at Imperial College. Her PhD focused on the early development (embryology) of sea creatures like starfish and sea urchins (called echinoderms). She continued her research on echinoderms in the United States, studying at Hopkins Marine Station and Yale University. In 1928, she received a higher degree, a DSc, from the University of Aberdeen.
Working as a Scientist
While at Yale University, Dr. Gordon was offered a job at the Natural History Museum in London. The offer came from William Thomas Calman, who was in charge of zoology there. She returned to the UK and started her new job in November 1928. She became an Assistant Keeper, responsible for the Crustacea section.
Dr. Gordon was the first woman to be hired as a full-time, permanent staff member at the museum. In 1937, the Crustacea section was split into two parts. She became the Principal Scientific Officer for malacostraca, which includes crabs and lobsters. During her time at the museum, she wrote many articles and books. She also identified crab specimens sent to her from all over the world.
She was a member and council member (from 1950 to 1953) of the Linnean Society. She also belonged to the Zoological Society. In 1960, she helped start the Editorial Board for the science journal Crustaceana.
Visit to Japan
In April 1961, Dr. Gordon was invited to Japan. This was for Emperor Hirohito's 60th birthday. She spent several weeks there, sponsored by a Japanese newspaper. On April 5, she met the Emperor at his laboratories. Emperor Hirohito was also very interested in marine biology. Dr. Gordon loved her visit and stayed in touch with her Japanese colleagues for the rest of her life.
Her Sense of Humour
Dr. Gordon had a great sense of humour and loved limericks (short, funny poems). In 1958, she wrote a review of a scientific paper. The title of her review inspired another scientist, Dr. A.J. Bateman, to send her a limerick:
- A thermophilous shrimp from Tunisia
- said: when it gets cold I get busier
- I dig a hole
- And fill it with coal
- and there's nowhere as warmer as it is 'ere
Dr. Gordon replied with her own limerick:
- The idea's OK but Aplysia
- Is the rhyme I should choose for Tunysia
- A purist and Scot
- I simply could not
- pronounce it to rhyme with 'it is 'ier-r-r !!
Later Life
Dr. Gordon retired from the Natural History Museum in 1966. She kept a room in the Crustacea section, which she shared with another scientist, Dr. Sidnie Manton. She continued to work at the museum until about 1971.
In 1983, she had a stroke, which caused some paralysis. In 1987, she moved from London to live with her nephew's family in Carlisle. Her health got worse after an eye operation in March 1988. She passed away on May 11, 1988.
After she died, a Dutch crab expert named Lipke Holthuis called her "The Grand Old Lady of Carcinology." This shows how respected she was in her field.
Images for kids
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Photograph of Dr Isabella Gordon
