Thomas Bell. Photograph by Maull and Polyblank, 1855.

Dental surgeon, zoologist, and active member of scientific societies. Holds unframed oil painting on canvas depicting a windmill

Bell was largely responsible for ensuring that the major British scientific societies were able to occupy Burlington House in 1857, despite strong government opposition. As president, he was in the chair at the Linnean Society meeting on 30 June 1858, when Darwin and Wallace presented their controversial papers on selection and the origin of species. Although a personal friend of Darwin's, he remained hostile to the theory of evolution throughout his life (Oxford dictionary of national biography)

London (55 Gracechurch St. & 187a Piccadilly) : Maull & Polyblank, [1855?]

1 photograph : photoprint ; mount 30.4 x 25.4 cm

Wellcome Collection 643790i