William M'Intosh facts for kids
William Carmichael M'Intosh (born October 10, 1838, died April 1, 1931) was a Scottish doctor and a scientist who studied sea animals. He was known for his important work on marine life and for helping to understand the fishing industry. He held important roles in scientific groups, like being the president of the Ray Society.
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Who Was William M'Intosh?
Early Life and Education
William Carmichael M'Intosh was born in St Andrews, Scotland, on October 10, 1838. His parents were John McIntosh and Eliza Mitchell.
William studied medicine at St Andrews University from 1853 to 1857. He became a licensed doctor in 1860. He also earned a special medical degree from the University of Edinburgh. His research for this degree was about a type of crab.
After finishing his studies, he worked at a hospital called Murray Royal Asylum near Perth for three years. Then, in 1863, he moved to Murthly Asylum, another hospital nearby.
A Career in Science
William M'Intosh worked as the Medical Superintendent at Murthly for 18 years. He left in 1882 to become a Professor at St Andrews University. This change showed his strong interest and knowledge in natural history.
He became famous as a botanist (someone who studies plants) and a marine biologist (someone who studies sea life). He even traveled on a famous ship called HMS Challenger during the Challenger expedition from 1872 to 1876. This expedition explored the oceans and discovered many new species.
From 1882 to 1917, he was a professor of natural history at St Andrews University. He also directed the university museum. He was the first director of the university's Gatty Marine Laboratory, which opened in 1896. This lab was important for studying marine life.
Important Discoveries and Awards
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M'Intosh was a member of many important scientific groups. These included the Linnean Society of London and the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He was elected a member of the Royal Society in 1877.
In 1899, he received the Royal Medal from the Royal Society. This award was for his important books about British marine animals and the fishing industry. In 1900, he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of St Andrews. He was also awarded the Linnean Medal in 1924.
William M'Intosh died in St Andrews on April 1, 1931.
His Family
William M'Intosh was the only son in his family and had five sisters. He never married.
In 1863, his mother suggested that his sister Agnes (born September 1, 1840, died March 24, 1923) live with him. She helped him by taking care of his home. They moved to Murthly in 1864 when William became the Superintendent of the Perth District Asylum. They lived there until 1882.
His youngest sister, Roberta (born January 19, 1843, died September 2, 1869), married another zoologist named Albert Gunther.
