Johann Baptist von Spix (1781–1826)

German zoologist, explorer, and physician. Studied theology and later medicine and natural science in Bamberg and Wurzburg; MD 1806. Practised as a physician in Bamberg. Studied comparative anatomy and zoology, and travelled in France, Italy, and Switzerland from 1808. Lectured in mathematics and physics at the Bavarian Academy of Sciences from 1811. Undertook a research expedition to Brazil with Karl von Martius, 1817–20, and carried out extensive research into birds, reptiles, and apes.