James Hartley Ashworth facts for kids
James Hartley Ashworth was an important British scientist who studied animals, especially those living in the ocean. He was a marine zoologist. He also taught at the University of Edinburgh and helped set up new science buildings there.
About His Life
James Hartley Ashworth was born on May 2, 1874, in Accrington, England. He grew up mostly in Burnley. As a young person, he became friends with Dr. James MacKenzie, a family doctor. Dr. MacKenzie helped Ashworth become interested in science.
Ashworth first went to college in Manchester to study chemistry. But he soon found that he loved zoology more, which is the study of animals. He then moved to London University. There, he earned a science degree in zoology and botany in 1895. He got his advanced degree in the same subjects in 1899.
After college, Ashworth worked in Naples, Italy. This is where he started to focus on marine biology. Marine biology is the study of life in the ocean. In 1901, he became a teacher at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He taught about animals without backbones, like jellyfish or worms.
Ashworth helped start new courses at the university in 1905. These courses trained students in tropical medicine and hygiene. Ashworth created the parts of the course that focused on insects and parasites. These courses were later expanded to include public health and animal medicine.
In 1909, he became a full professor of animals without backbones. Later, in 1927, he became the main Professor of Natural History. This meant he was in charge of all animal studies.
With money from the Rockefeller Foundation, Ashworth helped build a large new science building in 1929. This building is at the university's Kings Buildings campus. It is now known as the Ashworth Laboratories.
He passed away at his home in Edinburgh on February 4, 1936. He was 61 years old.
Recognition and Honors
James Hartley Ashworth received many honors for his work. In 1911, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a big honor for scientists in Scotland. In 1917, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is an even higher honor for scientists in the United Kingdom.
The Royal Society of Edinburgh gave him the Keith Prize between 1913 and 1915. He also served as a leader for the Royal Society of Edinburgh for many years.
The Ashworth Building at Edinburgh University's King's Buildings is named after him. This building is a lasting tribute to his important work in science.
His Family
James Hartley Ashworth married Clara Hough in 1901. This was shortly before he moved to Edinburgh to start teaching at the university.
