William Ogilby was a zoologist. He is perhaps best known for this work around the classification order of cheiropoda, linking mammals who had hands. He was ZSL Secretary from 1839-1847.
Letter from Edmund Wallace Elmslie, architect and surveyor of London Zoo, to William Ogilby regarding work in the Zoo by Mssrs Piper. Also an indenture between Edmund Wallace Elmslie and the Zoological Society of London regarding Elmslie's claims against the Society in relation to a contract between the Society and Mssrs Thomas Piper and Son
My dear Sir
I saw the skin of O Brevirostus this day at one o'clock' and examined it attentively without discovering the ocellus spot though in the other two skins it is of considerable extent too large. I should think to be so completely concealed by, a partial contraction of the skin. However Mr [Gould's?] observation in this aspect may possible be correct but as far as for the bill extending during the process of softening the skin he is altogether mistaken unless he maintains equally as the bones of the head will be prolonged in the same operation. There are besides other characters connected with the animal in question which confirm me in the idea of its being a distinct species and therefore I must request that the description be published in its present form. If there be any alteration or modification necessary it will be more properly the subject of a future notice, but delay on the present occasion would be only giving an opportunity for some other person to describe it in the meantime. I shall therefore be obliged to you to have the impression struck off as I sent it to you corrected.
Yours ever sincerely
W. Ogilby
To E.J. Bennett Esq
Answered July 26th 1839
Dear Sir
By one of the recent arrivals from the Cape I learn that my friends there have been kind enough among other things to send over for me what they call a large Male Water Buffalo by this I imagine they mean what I know by the name of the Bos Caffer and that is an animal that I fear is of too violent and savage a nature for me to receive him here but it is undoubtedly an animal of great rarity having I believe never before made its appearance in England (if in Europe) before above. If in that character, or any other the Council wd. consider him an acquisition to their Collection in the Park. I shall be very glad if they will do me the Honour to receive him. It will be still almost as gratifying to me as having him here at Knowsley without the continual dread I shd. be under of accidental injuries happening were he to come down hither when I have nothing like the appliances and means of Security than wd. be [?] with you. He is at present in your neighbourhood being under Mr [Garnett's?] care to whom I have also written by this Post authorising the transfer of the Beast to any one who may apply for it under authority of the Society. I have also had some intimation of a very [savage?] Black Tiger and of a very [tame?] Royal Bengal [?] being coming to me. I know not how or from whom but as another of them are in my [?] I shall beg to offer their [refusal?] to the Council if they would honour me with by their acceptance. I only heard of them casually from my Son who said someone had told him they had seen them I think at the Cape and understood they were for me. It is thus a very blind offer I am making but I thought it best to be sure of the Council's inclination against their [?] as, if declined I should [?] them to be immediately disposed of. I have also been lucky enough to enlist [Gen. J/T Anna?] in my service for [Mexican Roosters?] in return for English. I think this may be a promising speculation for me I hope you find matters [?] satisfactorily. For [?] of as I refer to Fuller to whom I also write today
Yrs very truly
Derby
To Wm. Ogilby Esq
David William Mitchell was a zoologist and illustrator. He was responsible for the construction of the fish house - the first public aquarium - in 1853. He was ZSL Secretary from 1847-1859.
Letter from Allan, Deffell & Co. to David William Mitchell requesting assistance for Mr James Thompson and a collection of birds and some quadrapeds
Correspondence between W Batty of Astley's Amphitheatre, to David William Mitchell regarding the price for two elephants
Correspondence between Edward Blyth and David William Mitchell regarding the shipment of animals to the Zoological Society of London
Correspondence between Hamet Saffi Canaana, the Keeper of Obaysch, and David William Mitchell regarding his service at the Zoological Society of London, with receipts
Letter from Charles Hengler to David William Mitchell regarding elks, moose and deer in his possession