The fishy Smiths : a biography of J.L.B. and Margaret Smith

The discovery of the modern-day coelacanth will forever be linked with the name of JLB Smith. An intense, irascible, eccentric man, JLB (as he was widely known) and his long-suffering wife Margaret were both remarkable South African scientists who changed the course of the biological sciences. Best known for their research on the coelacanth, they also contributed in many other ways to the scientific study of fishes (ichthyology) and related fields. The first comprehensive biography about JLB and Margaret Smith. Traces their formative years and serendipitous meeting, leading up to the discovery of the coelacanth, and the tumultuous years that followed. Details their punitive work ethic, eccentric and rugged lifestyle, and their astonishingly productive lives. A story awash with adventure, travel, discovery, risk-taking, near-death experiences – and their extraordinary contribution to science. Illustrated with black-and-white images of the Smiths’ fascinating lives, as well as a 16-page colour section, Mike Bruton’s lively account fills a scientific and biographical niche and will become a classic of the South African scene. Sales points: Important biography of a famous South African couple, lively portrayal of colourful, eccentric, tumultuous lives, with contributions from many other scientists and personalities and illustrated with black-and-white images throughout, and a colour section. The discovery of the living coelacanth - one of the greatest biological finds of the twentieth century - will forever be linked with the name of JLB Smith. An intense, irascible, eccentric man, JLB (as he was widely known) and his wife Margaret were remarkable South African scientists whose extraordinary contributions changed the course of the biological sciences. This, the first biography of JLB and Margaret Smith, traces their formative years and serendipitous meeting, leading up to the discovery of the coelacanth, and the tumultuous years that followed. Illustrated with images of their fascinating lives, as well as a 16-page color section, this lively account is essential reading for anyone interested in the excitement of science and its relevance to our everyday lives. - Traces their formative years and serendipitous meeting, leading up to the discovery of the coelacanth, and the tumultuous years that followed. - Details their punitive work ethic, eccentric and rugged lifestyle, and their astonishingly productive lives - A story awash with adventure, travel, discovery, risk-taking, near-death experiences - and their extraordinary contribution to science. En 4e de couverture : "The discovery of the modern-day coelacanth will forever be linked with the name of JLB Smith. An intense, irascible, eccentric man, JLB (as he was widely known) and his long-suffering wife Margaret were both remarkable South African scientists who changed the course of the biological sciences. Best known for their research on the coelacanth, they also contributed in many other ways to the scientific study of fishes (ichthyology) and related fields. This, the first comprehensive biography about JLB and Margaret Smith, traces their formative years and serendipitous meeting, leading up to the discovery of the coelacanth, and the tumultuous years that followed. It details their punitive work ethic, eccentric and rugged lifestyle, and their astonishingly productive lives. A story awash with adventure, travel, discovery, risk-taking, near-death experiences - and their extraordinary contribution to science. Illustrated with black-and-white images of the Smiths' fascinating lives, as well as a 16-page colour section, Mike Bruton's lively account fills a scientific and biographical niche and will become a classic of the South African scene."