Research Catalog

Details

Description

1. xix, 344 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations, maps; 24 cm

Summary

1. The discovery of the modern-day coelacanth will forever be linked with the name of JLB Smith. An intense, irascible, eccentric man, JLB (as he was widely known) and his long-suffering wife Margaret were both remarkable South African scientists who changed the course of the biological sciences. Best known for their research on the coelacanth, they also contributed in many other ways to the scientific study of fishes (ichthyology) and related fields. The first comprehensive biography about JLB and Margaret Smith. Traces their formative years and serendipitous meeting, leading up to the discovery of the coelacanth, and the tumultuous years that followed. Details their punitive work ethic, eccentric and rugged lifestyle, and their astonishingly productive lives. A story awash with adventure, travel, discovery, risk-taking, near-death experiences - and their extraordinary contribution to science. Illustrated with black-and-white images of the Smiths' fascinating lives, as well as a 16-page colour section, Mike Bruton's lively account fills a scientific and biographical niche and will become a classic of the South African scene.

Subject

1. Smith, J. L. B. 1897-1968
2. Smith, Margaret Mary
3. Ichthyologists > Biography
4. Ichthyologists

Genre/Form

1. Biographies.

Contents

1. JLB Smith's childhood: Karoo to Bishops -- Young whippersnapper: studies and pranks in Stellenbosch -- Chemistry rules: from student to senior lecturer -- Organic chemistry: building a career in Grahamstown -- Henriette Pienaar: first marriage, and raising a young family -- Buchu to blacktails: transition to ichthyology -- Margaret Mary Macdonald: a new lifetime partner -- Agony and ecstacy: dramatic discovery of the first coelacanth -- Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer: pioneering museum director -- William Smith: larger than life -- Room breath: the difficult war year, and a new beginning -- Grit and determination: the epic East Africa expeditions -- Sea and shore dangers: taking risks -- Bombing and poisoning fishes: effective but controversial short cuts -- Jubiliation: publication of the The sea fishes of Southern Africa -- Second coelacanth: 'it was more than worth ... all that long strain' -- Mending bridges: international collaboration on the coelacanth -- Growth of a legend: significance of the coelacanth -- After the coelacanth: consolidation and renewal -- Fishy correspondence: one man's fish is another man's poison -- Old fourlegs: the best fish book in the world -- Bigger fish to try: team building, and the endgame -- Tragedy and recognition: death of JLB and a flood of accolades -- Lea as biltong: JLB under the microscope -- Margaret's metamorphosis: caterpillar and butterfly -- Triumph: birth of the JLB Smith Institute of Ichthylogy -- Gone fishing: ichthylogy thrives in Grahamstown -- Fauna and flora: reconnecting in their dotage -- Pride and joy: the Smith's amazing legacy.

Owning institution

1. Columbia University Libraries

Bibliography (note)

1. Includes bibliographical references and index.