Episode 19: Isabella and the Emperor

https://www.electricvoicetheatre.co.uk/
From humble beginnings in Keith, Moray, Scotland, Dr Isabella Gordon (1901-1988) working at the British Museum (Natural History) had become one of the world’s most respected scientists in carcinology, the study of crustaceans.
In 1961, Japanese scientists wanted to celebrate the 60th birthday of Emperor Hirohito, an enthusiastic marine biologist. They invited Dr Gordon to be an honoured guest for the occasion. In both countries, memories of war were still raw, so such an invitation was extremely unusual. Dr Gordon had a personal informal discussion with the Emperor, met with distinguished scientists, and became the only non-Japanese Founder Member of the Carcinological Society of Japan. https://minervascientifica.co.uk/isabella-gordon/

SPEAKERS:
Catherine Booth – Science Historian and retired Science Curator, National Library of Scotland
Miranda Lowe – Principal Curator (Crustacea) and museum scientist at the Natural History Museum

MUSIC:
“The Grand Old Lady of Carcinology” (May 15th 2021) an acapella limerick by Frances M Lynch for 3 female and 1 male voice; words by Frances M Lynch, Dr A.J. Bateman & Dr Isabella Gordon; performed, recorded & produced by the composer & Herbie Clarke especially for this podcast

Image: - Crayfish and Two Shrimps by Utagawa Hiroshige, 1835-1845 - Online Collection of Brooklyn Museum; Public Domain