S. Thomas Satyamurti (8 June 1922 – ?) was an Indian zoologist and museum director who contributed to museology and zoological research in India. He served as the Superintendent of the

Government Museum, Chennai The Government Museum, Chennai, or the Madras Museum, is a museum of human history and culture located in the Government Museum Complex in the neighbourhood of Egmore in Chennai, India. Started in 1851, it is the second oldest museum in India a ...

, and the

Connemara Public Library * The Connemara Public Library at Egmore in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, is one of the four National Depository Libraries which receive a copy of all books, newspapers and periodicals published in India. Established in 1890, opened for public i ...

from 1960 to 1978.

Early life and education

Satyamurti was born on 8 June 1922 to D. P. R. Somasundaram and Mercy at

Madras Chennai, also known as Madras ( its official name until 1996), is the capital and largest city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India. It is located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. According to the 2011 Indian ce ...

. He earned an

M.A. A Master of Arts ( or ''Artium Magister''; abbreviated MA or AM) is the holder of a master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is usually contrasted with that of Master of Science. Those admitted to the degree have ...

degree in 1946 and later pursued advanced studies at the National University of Colorado,

USA The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 contiguous ...

, where he obtained a

D.Sc. A Doctor of Science (; most commonly abbreviated DSc or ScD) is a science doctorate awarded in a number of countries throughout the world. Africa Algeria and Morocco In Algeria, Morocco, Libya and Tunisia, all universities accredited by the s ...

degree in 1955.

Career

Satyamurti began his career as a Curator for Zoology at the Madras Government Museum (1942–1951). He then served in various roles: * Curator, Natural History Museum, Darjeeling (1952–1953) * Curator, Natural History Section, Prince of Wales Museum, Bombay (1954) * Returned to Madras Government Museum as Curator (1956–1957) * Promoted to Assistant Superintendent, Madras Government Museum (1958-1960) * Served as Superintendent of the Madras Government Museum, and the

(1961–1978)

Contributions

During his tenure at Madras Government Museum, he made significant contributions to museum by organising, documenting collections, and authoring guidebooks to provide detailed explanations of the exhibits. He oversaw the construction of a separate building for bronze collections in 1963, expanded the Chemical Conservation Section, and opened a new Birds Gallery in the same year. Satyamurti’s academic work focused on

zoology Zoology ( , ) is the scientific study of animals. Its studies include the anatomy, structure, embryology, Biological classification, classification, Ethology, habits, and distribution of all animals, both living and extinction, extinct, and ...

and

museology Museology (also called museum studies or museum science) is the study of museums. It explores the history of museums and their role in society, as well as the activities they engage in, including curating, preservation, public programming, and ed ...

. His notable contributions include: * Bulletins and monographs on marine, land, and freshwater mollusks of South India. * Illustrated guidebooks on invertebrates, fishes, reptiles, birds, and mammals of South India. * Handbooks on museum techniques and museology.

Professional affiliations

Satyamurti also was an active member of several prestigious organizations: * Fellow,

Zoological Society of London The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is a charity and organization devoted to the worldwide animal conservation, conservation of animals and their habitat conservation, habitats. It was founded in 1826. Since 1828, it has maintained London Zo ...

. * Vice-President, Museums Association of India, Archaeological Society of South India, and Association of Zoologists, Madras. * Member,

International Council of Museums The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to museums, maintaining formal relations with UNESCO and having a consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Founded in 1946, ...

and Central Museums Review Committee. * Official Member, Central Advisory Board of Museums.

References

20th-century Indian zoologists Scientists from Chennai 1922 births {{Zoologist-stub