December 2nd, 1805
William Thompson (2 December 1805 – 17 February 1852) was an Irish naturalist celebrated for his founding studies of the natural history of Ireland, especially in ornithology and marine biology. Thompson published numerous notes on the distribution, breeding, eggs, habitat, song, plumage, behaviour, nesting and food of birds. These formed the basis of his four-volume The Natural History of Ireland, and were much used by contemporary and later authors such as Francis Orpen Morris.
Thompson contributed up-to-date information on the birds of Ireland to Selby’s The Magazine of Zoology and Botany, The Annals of Natural History, The Magazine of Natural History, and the Annals and Magazine of Natural History, and prepared the first comprehensive list of Ireland’s birds for the 1840 meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science at Glasgow. Other work, primarily about birds, was published in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London and the London and Edinburgh Philosophical Journal. These papers formed the basis of his seminal work—The Natural History of Ireland—published in four volumes between 1849 and 1851.
Ornithology Contributions:
- Thompson authored “A Natural History of Ireland,” a comprehensive four-volume work that included detailed observations and descriptions of Ireland’s birds. This work, published between 1849 and 1856, remains an important reference in Irish ornithology.
Marine Biology Contributions:
- Thompson conducted extensive studies on marine life, particularly around the coasts of Ireland. His work included detailed investigations into the fauna and flora of the Irish Sea.
The Birds of Ireland:
- Thompson’s most renowned work is “The Birds of Ireland,” where he documented the avian species found in Ireland. This work is considered a seminal contribution to Irish ornithology.
Systematic Surveys:
- Thompson was a pioneer in conducting systematic surveys of bird populations. His meticulous observations and data collection methods laid the groundwork for future studies in the field.
Recognition and Legacy:
- Thompson was highly regarded by his contemporaries and received recognition for his contributions to natural history. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1849.
Educational Contributions:
- Thompson was involved in education, serving as the president of the Natural History and Philosophical Society of Belfast. His influence extended to fostering an interest in the natural sciences among the public.
Knighthood:
- William Thompson was knighted in 1849 for his achievements and contributions to science.
Poor Health
As Thompson’s reputation spread, information was passed to him by interested observers all over Ireland. However his health became poor around 1847 or 1848, when he was 42, and he suffered from heart trouble from 1847.
Died in London
In 1852 Thompson died of a heart attack in London where he had been tended by his friends William Yarrell, author of British Birds, Edward Forbes, Edwin Lankester, of the Ray Society and George Busk. He died unmarried.
Despite his relatively short life, Thompson’s work laid the foundation for the study of Irish natural history. His observations and writings continue to be valuable resources for researchers and enthusiasts interested in the biodiversity of Ireland.
