James Scott Bowerbank (1797-1877), British palaeontologist. Bowerbank was born in London, and was employed at his father's distillery, running it until 1847. His early enthusiasm for all aspects of natural science never waned, and he became an expert in the fossils of the London Clay. In 1842 he was elected Fellow of the Royal Society, and in 1847 instigated the formation of the Palaeontological Society. He held open house to researchers until his retirement in 1864. Photographed circa 1854 by the Maull and Polyblank photographic studio.