John Graham Kerr facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Graham Kerr
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| Born | 18 September 1869 |
| Died | 21 April 1957 (aged 87) Royston, England
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| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | University of Edinburgh Christ's College, Cambridge |
| Known for | embryology of lungfishes, dazzle camouflage |
| Awards | Linnean Medal (1955) Fellow of the Royal Society |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | embryology, camouflage |
| Influenced | Hugh B. Cott |
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MP for Combined Scottish Universities
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Sir John Graham Kerr (18 September 1869 – 21 April 1957), known to his friends as Graham Kerr, was a British scientist. He was an embryologist, which means he studied how animals develop from their earliest stages. He also served as a Member of Parliament (MP).
Sir Graham Kerr is most famous for his work on the development of lungfishes. He also played a part in designing ship camouflage during the First World War. His ideas later influenced how armies used camouflage in the Second World War, thanks to his student, Hugh B. Cott.
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Early Life and Education
John Graham Kerr was born on September 18, 1869, in Arkley, England. His parents, James and Sybella Kerr, were from Scotland. His father used to be the head of Hooghly College in India.
Graham Kerr went to the Royal High School in Edinburgh. After that, he began studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh.
Studying Animals (Zoology)
John Kerr paused his medical studies to join an adventure! He went on a trip to Argentina to learn about nature along the Pilcomayo River. When he came back, he studied natural sciences at Christ's College, Cambridge and did very well, graduating in 1896.
Sadly, many things collected on his first trip were lost. So, after graduating, he went on another trip to the Gran Chaco region. This time, he brought back many samples related to the South American lungfish, called Lepidosiren paradoxa. His friend, John Samuel Budgett, joined him and discovered a new type of frog.
From 1898 to 1902, Kerr worked at Christ's College, Cambridge, helping with animal studies. In 1902, he became a professor of Natural History at the University of Glasgow. He stayed there until 1935. Kerr was especially interested in teaching medical students.
He received many honors for his scientific work. In 1903, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He also won the Society's Neill Prize in 1904. Later, in 1909, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very important scientific group.
Hiding Ships (Camouflage)
Graham Kerr made important contributions to ship camouflage during the First World War. In 1914, he wrote to Winston Churchill, who was in charge of the navy at the time. Kerr suggested using "disruptive coloration" to hide ships. This meant painting ships with patches of strong, contrasting colors to break up their outlines. He also suggested "countershading" to make parts like guns less visible.
Kerr believed his methods would make ships harder to spot and confuse enemy range finders. He wanted to make ships difficult to hit with gunfire from far away. However, it was hard for Kerr to get his ideas widely used. After Churchill left the navy, the Royal Navy went back to painting ships plain grey.
In 1917, another idea for disruptive camouflage came from an artist named Norman Wilkinson. Wilkinson's ideas were easier for the navy to accept. He was put in charge of a big program to paint ships in bold, confusing patterns. This became known as "Dazzle camouflage". After the war, Kerr tried to get credit for creating dazzle camouflage, but he was not successful.
Even so, Kerr's ideas influenced British camouflage again in the Second World War. This happened through his student, Hugh B. Cott, who became a well-known expert on camouflage.
Politics and Later Life
In 1935, Graham Kerr was elected as a Unionist MP for the Combined Scottish Universities. He took over the seat after the famous writer John Buchan resigned.
After becoming an MP, Kerr left his professorship and moved to Hertfordshire. He served in Parliament until 1950, when the university constituencies were removed. During his time in Parliament, he was Chairman of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee.
He was made a knight in 1939, which means he received the title "Sir." The University of St Andrews also gave him an honorary degree in 1950.
Sir John Graham Kerr passed away on April 21, 1957, in Royston, Hertfordshire.
Family Life
Graham Kerr was married twice. His first wife, Elizabeth Mary Kerr, passed away in 1934. In 1936, he married Isabella Dunn Clapperton.
Legacy
To honor his contributions, the Zoology Building at the University of Glasgow was renamed the Graham Kerr Building.
