English biologist, comparative anatomist and paleontologist
1804 CE
to 1892 CE
Sir Richard Owen KCB FRMS FRS (July 20, 1804 – December 18, 1892) is an English biologist, comparative anatomist and paleontologist.
Despite being a controversial figure, Owen is generally considered to have been an outstanding naturalist with a remarkable gift for interpreting fossils.
Owen produces a vast array of scientific work, but is probably best remembered today for coining the word Dinosauria (meaning "Terrible Reptile" or "Fearfully Great Reptile").
An outspoken critic of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, Owen agrees with Darwin that evolution occurs, but things it is more complex than outlined in Darwin's On the Origin of Species.
Owen's approach to evolution can be seen as having anticipated the issues that have gained greater attention with the recent emergence of evolutionary developmental biology.
Owen is the first president of the Microscopical Society of London in 1839 and edits many issues of its journal – at this time known as The Microscopic Journal.
Owen also campaigns for the natural specimens in the British Museum to be given a new home.
This results in the establishment, in 1881, of the now world-famous Natural History Museum in South Kensington, London.
His contributions to science and public learning notwithstanding, Owen's driving ambition, occasionally vicious temperament, and determination to succeed meas that he is not always popular with his fellow scientists.
Owen is feared and even hated by some contemporaries such as Thomas Henry Huxley.
His later career is tainted by controversies, many of which involve accusations that he takes credit for other people's work.
