 |
John WestwoodEnglish entomologist and archaeologist
Date of Birth: 22.12.1805
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- John Obadiah Westwood: A Life in Entomology and Archaeology
- Entomological Career
- Royal Entomological Society
- Hope Collection Stewardship
- Artistic Contributions
- Later Years
- Honors and Recognition
John Obadiah Westwood: A Life in Entomology and Archaeology
Early Life and EducationJohn Obadiah Westwood was born in Sheffield, England, on December 22, 1805. Initially pursuing a legal education, he later abandoned it for his passion in science.
Entomological Career
Taxonomic ContributionsWith the support of his patron, Frederick William Hope, Westwood became a curator and later professor at Oxford University. He played a pivotal role in the development of insect taxonomy, proposing an innovative system of insect orders that gained widespread acceptance.
Royal Entomological Society
Westwood was one of the founders of the Royal Entomological Society of London in 1833. He served as its Secretary (1834-1847), President (1852-1853), and Honorary Life President (1883-1893).
Hope Collection Stewardship
In 1858, Westwood became the custodian of the Frederick William Hope entomological collection and library, bequeathed to Oxford University. He meticulously cataloged and expanded this valuable collection.
Artistic Contributions
Westwood was not only an entomologist but also an accomplished artist. He wrote and illustrated numerous entomological monographs and provided illustrations for the works of other entomologists.
Later Years
By the end of his career, Westwood had been elected a member of over 25 international scientific societies. He passed away in Oxford on January 2, 1893, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of entomology.
Honors and Recognition
The Royal Entomological Society established the J.O. Westwood Medal in his honor, awarded biennially for outstanding research in insect taxonomy.
