Louis Agassiz (1807–1873): a passion for fishes

This year marks the bicentenary of the birth of Louis Agassiz, a Swiss whose aim was to be the premier naturalist of his time. His father's assessment of him was that he had ‘a mania for rushing full gallop into the future’. His life was marked by the production of grandiose schemes, many of which he had the drive to complete. In addition to his massive ambition, he had a brilliant intellect, charming manner and boundless energy. These qualities often lead to his schemes coming to fruition, occasionally against tremendous odds, although sometimes with great cost to his health and personal relationships.