john edwards gray

 b. 1800, Walsall, England. 

d. 1875, London, England (aged 75).

 John Edward Gray initially studied medicine but switched it for zoology – a field in which he became very well-known. He joined the British Museum as an assistant in the zoology department in 1824. In 1832, in addition to many other scientific societies, he was elected as a fellow of the Royal Society. 

Gray progressed as a Keeper of Zoology at the British Museum in the years of 1840 to 1874. His dedication to the field resulted in the zoological collections in the British Museum transforming from small and insignificant to one of the most important in the world. He contributed by organizing the production of descriptive catalogues, many written by himself. His writings were voluminous and meant that many, including lists, memoirs, and books, were even published posthumously.