Moth Man : William Forsell Kirby가 곤충학에 혁명을 일으켰습니다

William Forsell Kirby (14 January 1844 – 20 November 1912) was an English entomologist and folklorist. Born in Leicester, he was the eldest son of Samuel Kirby, a banker. Kirby was educated privately and developed an interest in butterflies and moths at an early age.

Kirby's career in entomology began when he published the Manual of European Butterflies in 1862. In 1867, he became a curator in the Museum of the Royal Dublin Society and produced a Synonymic Catalogue of Diurnal Lepidoptera (1871; Supplement 1877). In 1879, Kirby joined the staff of the British Museum (Natural History) as an assistant, after the death of Frederick Smith. He published a number of catalogues, as well as Rhopalocera Exotica (1887–1897) and an Elementary Text-book of Entomology. He also did important work on orthopteroid insects including a three-volume Catalogue of all known species (1904, 1906, 1910).

Kirby had a wide range of interests and was known for his linguistic skills. He knew many languages and fully translated Finland's national epic, the Kalevala, from Finnish into English. Kirby's translation, which carefully reproduces the Kalevala meter, was a major influence on the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien, who first read it in his teens. Kirby also provided many footnotes to Sir Richard Burton's translation of the Arabian Nights.

In addition to his work in entomology, Kirby was an advocate of theistic evolution. In his book Evolution and Natural Theology, he argued that evolution and theism are compatible. He noted that creationism was scientifically untenable and refuted its arguments. He viewed nature as a "vast self-adjusting machine".

Kirby retired in 1909 and passed away on 20th November 1912 in Chiswick, after a short illness. He is remembered as a kind, modest, humorous, and thoughtful man whose “never tiring assistance to all who required help or counsel endeared him to a large circle of friends and acquaintances”.

William Forsell Kirby (1844-1912) was an English entomologist who made significant contributions to the field of entomology. Some of his notable works include:

1. Manual of European Butterflies (1862): This was his first published work, which provided information on European butterflies.
2. Synonymic Catalogue of Diurnal Lepidoptera (1871; Supplement 1877): This catalogue made him famous in the world of entomology.
3. Rhopalocera Exotica (1887–1897): A work on exotic butterflies.
4. Elementary Text-book of Entomology (1885): A popular book on entomology for beginners.
5. Catalogue of all known species of orthopteroid insects (1904, 1906, 1910): A three-volume work that documented all known species of orthopteroid insects at the time.

Kirby's work in entomology was extensive, and he published numerous scientific papers, catalogues, and popular books on the subject. His research and publications significantly advanced the understanding of various insect groups, particularly butterflies and moths.

One of his most significant works was the "Monographia Apum Angliae" (Monograph on the Bees of England), published in 1802. This was the first scientific treatise on English bees and brought Kirby to the attention of leading entomologists in Britain and abroad. The treatise included the identification of 153 bee species, including Lasioglossum malachurum, from Kirby's own parish.

Another major contribution by Kirby was his four-volume work "Introduction to Entomology," which he began planning in 1808 and published between 1815 and 1826. This work, co-authored with William Spence, is considered foundational in the field of entomology. The book was so influential that it reached its seventh edition in 1856.

Kirby also played a significant role in the establishment of various institutions. He helped to establish an early museum in Ipswich under the aegis of the town's Literary Institute and presented a herbarium and a group of fossils. Along with Spence, he helped to found the Entomological Society of London in 1833, and he served as its Honorary President for life.

In addition to his work on bees and the broader field of entomology, Kirby also made significant contributions to the study of butterflies and moths. He published the "Manual of European Butterflies" in 1862 and produced a "Synonymic Catalogue of Diurnal Lepidoptera" in 1871. His work on butterflies and moths provided a comprehensive guide for collectors and amateur naturalists, with detailed illustrations of each insect and the plants they typically inhabit.

William Forsell Kirby was an advocate for theistic evolution. In his book "Evolution and Natural Theology," he argued that the theories of evolution and theism are not mutually exclusive but can coexist harmoniously. This perspective adds a philosophical layer to his scientific endeavors, indicating a broader intellectual landscape.

We offer a variety of products featuring the artwork of William Forsell Kirby:

1. Fine Art Prints: These prints feature illustrations from Kirby's works on European butterflies and moths, such as European Butterflies and Moths 3, European Butterflies and Moths 2, and European Butterflies and Moths. The prints are made using enhanced matte fine art paper and water-based inks, providing a museum-quality reproduction of Kirby's artwork.
2. Phone Cases: The website offers phone cases with designs based on Kirby's illustrations of European butterflies and moths. These cases are available for various iPhone and Samsung models and come in both gloss and matte finishes.
3. Cushions: we also offer cushions featuring Kirby's artwork of European butterflies and moths. The cushion comes with a pillow insert and is made from a linen/canvas feel material.

These products allow fans of William Forsell Kirby's artwork to incorporate his beautiful illustrations into their daily lives, whether as wall art, phone accessories, or home decor items...