George Brettingham Sowerby III British conchologist, publisher and illustrator Date of Birth: 01.01.1843 Country: Great Britain

1. George Brettingham Sowerby III: A Renowned Conchologist
2. Family Legacy and Zoological Contributions
3. Colorblindness and Artistic Collaboration
4. Discovery of Cypraea fultoni
5. Lasting Legacy

George Brettingham Sowerby III: A Renowned Conchologist

George Brettingham Sowerby III, a British conchologist, publisher, and illustrator, played a significant role in the field of malacology.

Family Legacy and Zoological Contributions

Sowerby hailed from a family of distinguished naturalists. His father, George Brettingham Sowerby II, and grandfather, George Brettingham Sowerby I, collaborated on the renowned "Thesaurus Conchyliorium." Sowerby III also contributed to this comprehensive work, providing detailed illustrations of mollusks.

Colorblindness and Artistic Collaboration

Despite his colorblindness, Sowerby produced exquisite illustrations. His daughter, who inherited his artistic talent, skillfully added colors to his engravings.

Discovery of Cypraea fultoni

In 1903, Sowerby described the mollusk Cypraea fultoni in his work "Mollusks of South Africa." The specimen was acquired from an English dealer and collector, Hugh Fulton, who had found it in the stomach of a fish caught off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Sowerby named the mollusk in honor of Fulton.

Lasting Legacy

George Brettingham Sowerby III's contributions to conchology continue to be highly valued. His illustrations remain an invaluable resource for scientists and enthusiasts alike. His discovery of Cypraea fultoni further cemented his status as a renowned malacologist. The Sowerby family's legacy in zoological research and illustration continues to inspire generations.