Austin Hobart Clark (1880-1954): His echinoderm research and contacts with his colleagues

摘要

Austin H. Clark (AHC) was a world authority on the Echinodermata, especially sea lilies and feather stars. His 218 publications on echinoderms included the magisterial 4500-page monograph on crinoids (1915-1967), the final volume co-authored by A.M. Clark. AHC exchanged thousands of good-humored letters with colleagues; they discussed evolution, classification, and ecology of echinoderms. Fisher, H.L. and A.M. Clark, Springer, Koehler, Verrill, Mortensen, Deichmann, were among his closest friends. AHC described 489 new species of echinoderms; he also won renown for research on butterflies, peripatus worms, and birds. He published a dozen books and about 300 popular articles on general natural history. He pioneered science programs on the radio in the 1920's. Of all his astonishing achievements in science, AHC will best be remembered for: (1) His crinoid research – he brought order to this group of complex animals, and (2) Establishing the great echinoderm collections at the Smithsonian Institution.