Andrew Smith (zoologist)
Sir Andrew Smith | |
|---|---|
Sir Andrew Smith | |
| Born | 3 December 1797 |
| Died | 11 August 1872 (aged 74) |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | University of Edinburgh |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | |
| Author abbrev. (zoology) | A. Smith |
Sir Andrew Smith KCB (3 December 1797 – 11 August 1872) was a British surgeon, explorer, ethnologist and zoologist. He is considered the father of zoology in South Africa having described many species across a wide range of groups in his major work, Illustrations of the Zoology of South Africa.
Smith was born in Hawick, Roxburghshire. He qualified in medicine at the University of Edinburgh obtaining an M.D. degree in 1819, having joined the Army Medical Services in 1816.