Sarah Bowdich Lee facts for kids
Sarah Bowdich Lee (born Wallis) (10 September 1791 – 22 September 1856) was an amazing English woman who was an author, illustrator, traveler, and scientist. She studied animals (zoologist), plants (botanist), and even ferns (pteridologist)!
Contents
About Sarah Bowdich Lee
Sarah Lee was born on September 10, 1791. She was the only daughter of John Eglinton Wallis, who lived in Colchester, England.
In 1813, Sarah married Thomas Edward Bowdich. He was a naturalist, which means he studied nature. Sarah shared his love for nature, travel, and adventure.
Studying in Paris
In 1819, Sarah and Thomas traveled to Paris, France. They went to visit a famous scientist named Baron Cuvier. Thomas had met him before and they spent about four years in Paris. During this time, they studied Baron Cuvier's amazing collections of plants and animals.
Travels and Challenges
In 1823, Sarah and Thomas began their last trip to Africa. On their way, they visited the Madeira Islands. Sadly, her husband Thomas died on the Gambia River on January 10, 1824.
Sarah was left with three children and had to find a way to support her family. She became an author to earn money. After her husband passed away, she often visited Baron Cuvier in Paris. He was very kind to her, almost like a father. When he died in 1832, Sarah wrote a book about his life.
In 1826, Sarah married Robert Lee. After that, she published her books using the name Mrs. Robert Lee.
In 1854, she received some financial help from the government. Sarah Lee passed away in 1856 while visiting her daughter Eugenia.
Sarah's Important Books
Sarah Bowdich Lee wrote many books. Four of her most important works include:
- Taxidermy (1820): This book was a very detailed guide on how to prepare and preserve animal specimens. It was so popular that it had six editions!
- Excursions in Madeira and Porto Santo (1825): This book was about the natural world she explored in Madeira.
- The Fresh-Water Fishes of Great Britain (1825): Sarah herself drew the pictures for this book about fish found in British rivers and lakes.
- Memoirs of Baron Cuvier (1833): This book told the story of the life of her kind friend and mentor, Baron Cuvier.
See also
In Spanish: Sarah Bowdich para niños
