Thomas Rupert Jones facts for kids
Thomas Rupert Jones (born October 1, 1819 – died April 13, 1911) was a famous British scientist. He was a geologist, which means he studied Earth's rocks and history. He was also a palaeontologist, someone who studies fossils to learn about ancient life.
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His Life and Work
Early Life and Education
Thomas Rupert Jones was born in London on October 1, 1819. When he was at a private school, he became very interested in geology. This happened because he saw so many fossils in the rock quarries nearby.
In 1835, he started training to become a surgeon. He finished his training in 1842. After that, he worked as a surgeon for a while, mostly in London.
A New Path in Science
In 1849, Thomas Jones changed his career. He became an assistant secretary at the Geological Society of London. This was a big step towards his true passion: geology.
Later, in 1862, he became a professor of geology. He taught at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
Studying Tiny Fossils
Thomas Jones became a top expert in microfossils. These are fossils that are so small you need a microscope to see them! He was especially good at identifying two types of tiny creatures:
- Foraminifera: These are tiny, single-celled organisms that often have shells.
- Entomostraca: These are small crustaceans, like tiny shrimp or crabs. Later, many of these were called Ostracoda.
He also helped edit several important books about geology. These books were written by another famous geologist named Gideon Mantell.
Awards and Recognition
Thomas Rupert Jones was a very respected scientist. In June 1872, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in Britain.
In 1890, he received the Lyell Medal from the Geological Society. This award recognized his important work in geology. For many years, he was also very interested in the geology of South Africa.
Thomas Rupert Jones passed away on April 13, 1911. He was buried in Chesham Bois, Buckinghamshire.
