Newton, Alfred (1829-1907), zoologist and Fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge

• Professor Alfred Newton, FRS (1829-1907)

Matriculated at Magdalene College in 1848. Held a travelling Fellowship from 1854. Made a Foundation Fellow in 1877.
Fellow of the Royal Society, 1870; Royal Medal 1900.

An ornithologist who was the first Professor of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy, 1866-1907.
A world leading pioneer in environmental conservation. British Ornithologists’ Union founded in 1858 from Old Lodge. Sponsor of the first sea-bird protection act in 1868.

He walked with two sticks.
Died from dropsy on 7 Jun1 1907 and his funeral was held in St Giles' church, by his wish without music. It would have been held at the University Church had not the funeral service for Dr Routh, the mathemetician, been held there at the same time [A.S. Ramsey Bygone Days at Magdalene]

See A.S. Ramsey Bygone Days at Magdalene pp.30-42 for a description of Newton's life and character.
Ramsey disagrees with Benson's assessment of him.

References:
Archives C/LN/49/4;
Benson, A. C., Leaves of the Tree: Studies in Biography (1911) pp 132-162;
Cunich, P., Hoyle, D., Duffy, E., Hyam, R., A History of Magdalene College Cambridge, 1428-1988 p. 205 Oxford Dictionary of National Biography