German-BritishZoologistTaxonomistRoyal Society Fellow

Albert Günther

Albert Günther was a German-born British zoologist, ichthyologist, and herpetologist renowned for his taxonomic contributions, including the "Catalogue of Fishes" and tuatara research.

1. Early Life and Education

Albert Günther was born in Esslingen in Swabia, within the Kingdom of Württemberg (present-day Baden-Württemberg, Germany). His father, Friedrich Gotthilf Günther, served as a Stiftungs-Commissar (commissioner of foundations) in Esslingen, and his mother was Eleonora Louise née Nagel. He received his early education at the Stuttgart Gymnasium. Initially, his family intended for him to pursue a career in the ministry of the Lutheran Church, which led him to study theology at the universities of Bonn and Berlin. However, following in the footsteps of a brother who transitioned from theology to medicine, Albert Günther also shifted his focus to science and medicine at the University of Tübingen in 1852. He completed his medical studies, earning an M.D. from Tübingen in 1858. In the same year, he published his first work, "Ueber den Puppenzustand eines Distoma" (On the pupal state of Distoma), alongside a comprehensive handbook of zoology designed for medical students.

2. Career

Günther's professional journey began in Germany but soon led him to England, where he made his most significant contributions to zoology. His career was marked by pivotal appointments and extensive research that profoundly influenced the classification and study of fishes, reptiles, and amphibians.

2.1. Work at the British Museum and Natural History Museum

In 1855, Günther visited England, where his mother had relocated. During this visit, he met prominent naturalists John Edward Gray and Professor Richard Owen at the British Museum. This encounter led to an offer for him to join the British Museum in 1857. His initial assignment was a substantial task: classifying approximately 2,000 snake specimens within the museum's collection. After the death of John Edward Gray in 1875, Günther was appointed Keeper of Zoology at the Natural History Museum, London, a prestigious position he held for two decades until his retirement in 1895.

2.2. Major Publications and Research

The cornerstone of Günther's scientific output was his monumental eight-volume Catalogue of Fishes, published between 1859 and 1870 by the Ray Society. This comprehensive work provided a detailed classification of fish species, becoming a standard reference in ichthyology. Beyond fish, he also dedicated significant effort to studying the reptiles and amphibians within the museum's extensive collection.

One of his most notable contributions to herpetology was his landmark paper on tuatara anatomy, published in 1867. This research was groundbreaking as it was the first to conclusively establish that the tuatara was not a lizard but, in fact, the sole living member of an entirely new group of reptiles, which he named Rhynchocephalia. Subsequent fossil and genetic evidence has consistently confirmed Günther's assertion, solidifying the tuatara's unique status as the only surviving member of a lineage that shared a common ancestor with Squamata (lizards and snakes) over 240 million years ago. He also described the Japanese mole (ミズラモグラEuroscaptor mizuraJapanese) in 1880, based on a specimen collected in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

2.3. Founding and Editing Academic Journals

Günther was not only a prolific researcher but also a significant figure in the dissemination of scientific knowledge through academic publishing. In 1864, he took the initiative to found Record of Zoological Literature, an annual index of zoological literature. He served as its editor for the initial six years. This publication, now known as Zoological Record, continues to be published online by Thomson Reuters and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2014, a testament to Günther's enduring legacy in scientific bibliography. Furthermore, he was one of the editors for the Annals and Magazine of Natural History for more than thirty years, contributing consistently to the peer review and publication of natural history research.

3. Academic Societies and Recognition

Albert Günther's profound impact on zoology was widely recognized by his peers, leading to his active involvement and leadership in several prestigious scientific institutions and the receipt of numerous honors.

3.1. Fellowship and Vice-Presidency of the Royal Society

In recognition of his significant contributions to scientific advancement, Günther was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1867, one of the highest honors for scientists in the United Kingdom. He further served the society as its Vice-President from 1875 to 1876, playing a key role in its governance and scientific initiatives.

3.2. Presidency of the Linnean Society

Günther was elected a fellow of the Linnean Society of London in 1877, an organization dedicated to the study of natural history. His leadership qualities were further acknowledged when he was elected President of the Linnean Society, a position he held from 1896 to 1900. During his presidency, he guided the society's activities and promoted its mission of advancing the science of taxonomy and biology.

3.3. Other Academic Affiliations and Awards

Beyond the Royal Society and the Linnean Society, Günther maintained a long and influential association with the Zoological Society of London. He served on its council for nearly 40 years, from 1868 to 1905, contributing to the society's efforts in zoological research, conservation, and public education. His commitment to his adopted country was formalized when he became a naturalized British citizen in 1874. In 1878, he was awarded the Royal Medal by the Royal Society, a prestigious award given for important contributions to the advancement of natural knowledge.

4. Personal Life

Albert Günther was the son of Friedrich Gotthilf Günther (1800-1835) and Eleonora Louise née Nagel (1806-1899). He was married twice. His first marriage took place in 1868 to Roberta Mitchell née McIntosh (1842-1869), who was the sister of the notable zoologist William M'Intosh. They had one son, Robert William Theodore Günther (1869-1940), who later became a distinguished historian of science. Roberta died shortly after their son's birth in 1869.

In 1879, Günther married for the second time to Theodora Dowrish née Drake (1863-1944). This marriage resulted in two more children: a son, Frederic Albert Günther (1883-1953), who pursued a career as a merchant, and a daughter, Theodora Alberta Günther (1889-1908), who tragically died at the age of nineteen.

5. Death

Albert Günther passed away on February 1, 1914, at Kew Gardens in London, where he had resided.

6. Legacy and Evaluation

Albert Günther's legacy in zoology is profound and enduring. His meticulous taxonomic work, particularly his comprehensive "Catalogue of Fishes," laid foundational groundwork for future ichthyological studies. His pioneering research on the tuatara redefined its phylogenetic position, demonstrating his keen observational skills and analytical rigor. As a prolific taxonomist, his descriptions of hundreds of new species significantly expanded the scientific understanding of global biodiversity, especially in reptiles and fish. Beyond his direct research, his role in establishing and editing "The Zoological Record" created an essential resource for the scientific community, facilitating the organization and accessibility of zoological literature for generations. His extensive service and leadership in prominent scientific societies further underscore his commitment to the advancement of science and his influence in shaping the institutional landscape of zoology during his era.

6.1. Species Named in His Honour

Many species of animals, particularly reptiles and fish, have been named in Albert Günther's honour, commemorating his significant contributions to zoology. These include:

  • Aparallactus guentheri - an African venomous snake
  • Aspidura guentheri - a Sri Lankan snake
  • Atractus guentheri - a Brazilian snake
  • Chalcides guentheri - a Near Eastern lizard
  • Christinus guentheri - an Australian lizard
  • Coluber gracilis - an Indian snake, commonly known as Günther's racer
  • Draco guentheri - a Philippine lizard
  • Elapsoidea guentherii - an African venomous snake
  • Erythrolamprus albertguentheri - a South American snake
  • Erythrolamprus guentheri - a South American snake
  • Euspondylus guentheri - a South American lizard
  • Holaspis guentheri - an African lizard
  • Lycodryas guentheri - a Malagasy snake
  • Monopeltis guentheri - an African amphisbaenian
  • Perochirus guentheri - a South Pacific lizard
  • Phelsuma guentheri - a Mauritian lizard
  • Plectrurus guentheri - an Indian snake
  • Proctoporus guentheri - a South American lizard
  • Ramphotyphlops guentheri - an Australian snake
  • Riopa guentheri - an Indian lizard
  • Ristella guentheri - an Indian lizard
  • Scelotes guentheri - an extinct South African lizard
  • Sphenodon guntheri - a New Zealand rhynchocephalian
  • Stegonotus guentheri - a Papua New Guinean snake
  • Stenocercus guentheri - a South American lizard
  • Trachischium guentheri - an Asian snake
  • Uroplatus guentheri - a Malagasy lizard
  • Urotheca guentheri - a Central American snake
  • Xenodon guentheri - a Brazilian snake
  • The carnivorous species of catfish Astroblepus guentheri (Boulenger, 1887)

7. Selected Publications

  • Günther, Albert (1858). Handbuch der Medicinischen Zoologie.
  • Günther, Albert (1858). Catalogue of the Batrachia salientia in the collection of the British Museum. London.
  • Günther, Albert (1858). "On the Geographical Distribution of Reptiles". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1858: 373-389.
  • Günther, Albert (1859-1870). Catalogue of the Fishes in the British Museum, eight volumes.
  • Günther, Albert (1863). "On new Species of Snakes in the Collection of the British Museum". Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Third Series 11: 20-25.
  • Günther, Albert (1863). "Third account of new species of snakes in the collection of the British Museum". Sep. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., 1-17.
  • Günther, Albert (1864). "Report on a collection of Reptiles and Fishes made by Dr. Kirk in the Zambesi and Nyassa regions". Sep. Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1-12.
  • Günther, Albert (1864). "Descriptions of new species of Batrachians from West Africa". Sep. Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1-4.
  • Günther, Albert (1865). "Fourth account of new species of snakes in the collection of the British Museum". Sep. Annals Mag. Nat. Hist., 1-10.
  • Günther, Albert (1867). "Contribution to the anatomy of Hatteria (Rhynchocephalus, Owen)". Sep. Philosophical Transactions, II: 1-36.
  • Günther, Albert (1867). "Descriptions of some new or little-known species of Fishes in the collection of the British Museum". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 24 Jan.: 99-104.
  • Günther, Albert (1868). "First account of species of tailless Batrachians added to the collection of the British Museum". Proc. Zool. Soc. London, III: 478-490.
  • Günther, Albert (1868). "Sixth account of new species of snakes in the collection of the British Museum". Sep. Annals Mag. Nat. Hist., 1-17.
  • Günther, Albert (1868). "First account of species of Tailless Batrachians added to the collection of the British Museum". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London (III), 25 June: 478-490.
  • Günther, Albert (1868). "Report on a collection of Fishes made at St. Helena by J.C. Meliss". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London (II): 225-228.
  • Günther, Albert (1868). "Descriptions of freshwater Fishes made from Surinam and Brazil". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London (II): 229-246.
  • Günther, Albert (1870). Catalogue of the Fishes in the British Museum. London.
  • Günther, Albert (1872). "Seventh account of new species of snakes in the collection of the British Museum". Annals Mag. Nat. Hist., 13-37.
  • Günther, Albert (1874). "Description of a new European species of Zootoca". Annals and Magazine of Natural History, August.
  • Günther, Albert (1874). "Descriptions of some new or imperfectly known species of Reptiles from the Camaroon Mountains". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 16 June: 444-445.
  • Günther, Albert (1875). "Second report on collection of Indian Reptiles obtained by the British Museum". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 16 March : 224-234.
  • Günther, Albert (1875). "Third report on collections of Indian Reptiles obtained by the British Museum". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London: 567-577.
  • Günther, Albert (1876). "Statement regarding dr. Welwitsch's Angola Reptiles". Jornal de Sciencias Mathematicas, Physicas e Naturaes, Academia Real das Sciencias de Lisboa, V (20): 275-276.
  • Günther, Albert (1876). "Notes on a small collection brought by Lieut. L. Cameron, from Angola". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, pág. 678. Herpetologia. Ahaetulla dorsalis (Bocage). Reptilia. Serpentes.
  • Günther, A. (1876). "Remarks on Fishes, with Descriptions of new Species in the British Museum, chiefly from the Southern Seas". The Annals and Magazine of Natural History. Volume XVII, Fourth Series.
  • Günther, A. (1876). "Remarks on some Indian and, more especially, Bornean Mammals". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, III: 424-428.
  • Günther, A. (1876). "Carta para Bocage, do Zoological Department (British Museum), 26 de Junho, a falar de Welwitsch". Arquivo histórico do Museu Bocage, CE/G-88.
  • Günther, A. (1877). "Notice of two large extinct lizards formerly inhabiting the Mascarene Islands". Sep. Linnean Society's Journal - Zoology, volume 13, issue 69: 321-328.
  • Günther, A. (1877). The gigantic land tortoises (living and extinct) in the collection of the British Museum. London: Trustees of the British Museum.
  • Günther, Albert (1878). "On Reptiles from Midian collected by Major Burton". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London: 977-978.
  • Günther, A. (1879). "The extinct reptiles of Rodriguez". Sep. Philosoph. Trans. Roy. Soc, 168 (extra-vol.), London: 470-472.
  • Günther, Albert (1879). "List of the Mammals, Reptiles, and Batrachians sent by Mr. Everett from the Philippine Islands". Proceedings of the Zoological Society, London, 14 January: 74-79.
  • Günther, Albert (1880). An Introduction to the Study of Fishes.
  • Günther, Albert (1882). "Observations on some rare Reptiles and a Batrachian now or lately living in the Society's Menagerie". Transactions of the Zoological Society, London VI, part VII (1) : 215-222.
  • Günther, A. (1884). "Contributions to our Knowledge of Hydromedusa, a genus of South-American freshwater Turtles". Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Fifth Series, Volume XIV: 421-425.
  • Günther, A. (1884). "Note on some East-African Antelopes supposed to be new". Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Fifth Series, Volume XIV: 425-429.
  • Günther, Albert (1885). "Note on a supposed melanotic variety of the Leopard, from South Africa". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 3 March: 243-245.
  • Günther, A. (1888). "Contribution to the knowledge of Snakes of Tropical Africa". Annals Mag. Nat. Hist., (6) 1: 322-335.
  • Günther, A. (1888). "Report on a collection of Reptiles and Batrachians sent by Emin Pasha from Monbuttu, Upper Congo". Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 50-51.
  • Günther, A. (1895). "Notice of Reptiles and Batrachians collected in the Eastern Half of Tropical Africa". Annals Mag. Nat. Hist., (6) 15: 523-529.