James Bayley Butler facts for kids

James Bayley Butler (born April 8, 1884 – died February 21, 1964) was an Irish biologist and university professor. He was known as the top expert on a type of fungus that causes dry rot in wood. He was also awarded an MBE for his service.

Early Life and Education

James Bayley Butler was born in Secunderabad, India, on April 8, 1884. He was the only son, and he had three sisters. His father, Colonel James William Butler, worked as an administrator for the East India Company.

After his family returned from India, Butler went to school in England and Ireland. He studied at St George's College, Weybridge, Clongowes Wood College, and St Mary's College. He then attended the Catholic University of Ireland medical school. He earned a science degree in 1905 and a medical degree in 1909 from the Royal University of Ireland. While he was a student, Butler also studied in other countries like Germany, Norway, Italy, and Canada.

His Unique Home

Butler spent 30 years building his own home, called Glenlion, in Baily, Howth, County Dublin. He designed it to look like a classical Roman villa. His house had special features like a roof garden, a flower sundial, and even a moondial.

He used stones from famous buildings that were damaged in the 1920s, like The Custom House and the Four Courts. He also included pieces from the original Butt Bridge, the Roman Forum, and the Baths of Caracalla. Every year, Butler would open his gardens to visitors to help raise money for a nursing charity.

Butler married Katherine McWeeney on December 19, 1906. They had two daughters, Katherine Butler and Beatrice Dixon. After his first wife passed away, Butler married Alice Dromgoole in 1944. James Bayley Butler died on February 21, 1964.

Career as a Scientist

When University College Dublin (UCD) was founded, Butler became the first lecturer in botany in 1909. He worked with George Sigerson, who was the professor of biology. In 1911, the botany lectureship became a professorship. Butler then continued to teach zoology. In 1924, when Professor Sigerson retired, Butler became the professor of zoology. He held this job until he retired in 1957.

During World War I, Butler served in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He started as a lieutenant in 1915 and became a major after the war. He was given an MBE for his service.

Research and Discoveries

Butler was very interested in how biology could be used to solve real-world problems. From 1922 to 1932, he researched a parasite called Catenaria anguillulae. This parasite affects the eggs of the liver fluke, which is a type of worm.

Later, Butler focused on controlling wood-boring beetles and the fungus that causes dry rot in wood, called Serpula lacrymans. He became a world expert on dry rot. He helped create a company called Biotox, which made products to kill insects and fungi for buildings. He was even asked to help when dry rot was found during the rebuilding of UCD's Newman House. He also testified in courts in Ireland and England because of his knowledge about dry rot.

Butler also invented a way to make maps waterproof. He sold the patent for this invention to the United States Army during World War II.

Promoting Science and Education

Butler strongly supported fieldwork at UCD. He organized trips for students to places like the Dublin Mountains, Glendalough, and The Burren. He also started UCD's first marine field station, which was a place to study ocean life. One of his former students, Carmel Humphries, continued his work there.

Butler founded the UCD Natural History Club, which is now called the Biological Society of UCD. He was its first president. In 1962, he gave a cup to the Society. This cup is now called the Bayley Butler trophy and is given each year to the student who writes the best paper.

He was also an active member of the Royal Dublin Society. He served on its council and was a vice-president. He helped with their science and technical exhibitions in the 1930s. Butler was also a council member and honorary vice-president of the Zoological Society of Ireland. In 1915, he became a member of the Royal Irish Academy. He served on its council and on its committee for plants and animals.

Glenlion Structures

Butler is also known for building many concrete and stone steps, paths, and diving boards. These were built on a headland called Lions Head in Doldrum Bay, near Howth Head, County Dublin. You can still see parts of these structures today, though some have been worn away by weather or removed. This area is hard to reach, which makes it less popular for swimmers or cliff-divers compared to other spots.

Other notable people lived near Glenlion. The well-known gardener David Robinson lived in a nearby house called Earlscliffe. The Irish architect Andrew Devane also lived two doors down in a famous house he designed, called Journey's End.