Cyril Clarke

Cyril Astley Clarke (22 August 1907 – 21 November 2000) was an eminent British physician, geneticist, and lepidopterist who made significant contributions to the fields of medicine and genetics, particularly through his work on the prevention of Rhesus haemolytic disease of the newborn. His research and clinical applications in the field of immunogenetics have had a lasting impact on neonatology and obstetrics.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Cyril Clarke was born in Suffolk, England, into a family with a strong interest in natural history. This early exposure to the natural world sparked his lifelong passion for butterflies and moths, which later intersected with his professional medical career. Clarke pursued his medical education at Guy's Hospital Medical School, University of London, where he qualified as a doctor in 1932.

Medical Career and Research[edit | edit source]

After qualifying, Clarke held various positions in hospitals before focusing on research and teaching. His interest in genetics was piqued during his time at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, where he began his groundbreaking work on the genetic aspects of Rhesus blood grouping and its implications for Rhesus haemolytic disease of the newborn (RHDN). Alongside colleagues, including Ronald Finn and Philip George Sheppard, Clarke developed a treatment protocol involving the injection of Anti-D immunoglobulin into Rhesus-negative mothers, drastically reducing the incidence of RHDN.

Contributions to Lepidopterology[edit | edit source]

Parallel to his medical career, Clarke was an accomplished lepidopterist. His interest in butterflies and moths was not merely a hobby but also intertwined with his genetic research. He published extensively on the genetics of Lepidoptera, particularly on the swallowtail butterfly, contributing to the understanding of speciation and genetic polymorphism.

Awards and Honours[edit | edit source]

Cyril Clarke's contributions to medicine and genetics were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1969 for his work on the prevention of Rhesus haemolytic disease. Clarke was also knighted in 1974, further acknowledging his significant contributions to science and medicine.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Cyril Clarke's work has had a profound and lasting impact on the fields of genetics and neonatal medicine. His research on the Rhesus blood group system and the prevention of RHDN has saved countless lives and is considered a milestone in the application of genetics to clinical medicine. Clarke's dual interests in medicine and lepidopterology demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of scientific inquiry and the value of pursuing diverse interests.