P. Martin (Peter Martin) Duncan

Born in Twickenham in 1821, Peter Martin Duncan trained in medicine at King's College London before moving increasingly toward geology and paleontology. He practiced as a doctor for a time, but his lasting reputation came from his scientific research and teaching.

Duncan became especially known for his studies of fossil corals and other extinct marine invertebrates. He later served as Professor of Geology at King's College London and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, signs of the esteem he earned in British science.

He also wrote for general readers as well as specialists. Works associated with his name include Cassell's Natural History, showing his interest in making the natural world vivid and accessible beyond academic circles.