Sir Andrew Smith | |
---|---|
![]() Sir Andrew Smith | |
Born | |
Died | 11 August 1872 | (aged 74)
Nationality | British |
Alma mater | University of Edinburgh |
Scientific career | |
Fields | |
Author abbrev. (zoology) | A. Smith |
Sir Andrew Smith KCB (3 December 1797 – 11 August 1872) was a British surgeon, explorer, ethnologist and zoologist. He is considered the father of zoology in South Africa having described many species across a wide range of groups in his major work, Illustrations of the Zoology of South Africa.[1][2]
Smith was born in Hawick, Roxburghshire. He qualified in medicine at the University of Edinburgh obtaining an M.D. degree in 1819, having joined the Army Medical Services in 1816.