Marcus Ward Lyon Jr.

Marcus Ward Lyon, Jr

Marcus Ward Lyon Jr. (February 5, 1875 – May 19, 1942) was an American mammalogist, pathologist, and bacteriologist. He made significant contributions to the study of mammals and was known for his work in taxonomy and systematics.

Early Life and Education

Marcus Ward Lyon Jr. was born on February 5, 1875, in Rock Island, Illinois. He developed an early interest in natural history and pursued his education in the field of biology. Lyon attended Indiana University, where he earned his B.A. in 1898. He continued his studies at the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, earning his M.D. in 1902.

Career

Lyon began his professional career as an assistant at the United States National Museum, now known as the Smithsonian Institution. He worked under the guidance of prominent mammalogists and contributed to the museum's mammal collections. In 1906, he became a pathologist at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he conducted research on various infectious diseases.

Lyon's work in mammalogy included the description of several new species and subspecies of mammals. He published numerous papers on the taxonomy and distribution of North American mammals, particularly focusing on rodents and bats. His contributions to the field were recognized by his peers, and he was elected a member of several scientific societies, including the American Society of Mammalogists.

Contributions to Science

Lyon's research extended beyond mammalogy to include significant work in pathology and bacteriology. He investigated the pathology of various diseases, including tuberculosis and leprosy. His work in bacteriology included studies on the bacterial flora of the human body and the development of techniques for isolating and identifying pathogenic bacteria.

Personal Life and Legacy

Marcus Ward Lyon Jr. married Mary Elizabeth Lyon in 1903, and they had three children. He passed away on May 19, 1942, in Washington, D.C.. Lyon's contributions to mammalogy, pathology, and bacteriology have left a lasting impact on these fields. His extensive collection of mammal specimens and his published works continue to be valuable resources for researchers and scholars.

Selected Publications

• Lyon, M. W. Jr. (1904). "Description of a new genus and species of bat from the Philippine Islands." Proceedings of the United States National Museum.
• Lyon, M. W. Jr. (1913). "Mammals of Indiana." Proceedings of the United States National Museum.
• Lyon, M. W. Jr. (1924). "A revision of the North American species of the genus Peromyscus." Journal of Mammalogy.

See Also

• Mammalogy
• Pathology
• Bacteriology
• Taxonomy
• Systematics