Nicholas Aylward Vigors

Vigors, Nicholas Aylward, an eminent zoologist, was born at Old Leighlin, near Carlow, in 1787. He was educated at Oxford, where he published, in 1810, An Enquiry into the Nature and Extent of Poetic Licence. In 1809 he entered the Guards as an ensign, and was present at the action of Barossa in 1811. On his return home, he quitted the army, and devoted himself to the study of zoology, and, in particular, ornithology. In 1832 he entered Parliament for Carlow, and sat either for the town or county, with slight intervals, until his death in 1840. He contributed many valuable papers to the scientific societies of which he was a member. Mr. Vigors was one of the founders of the Royal Zoological Society, and acted as secretary from 1826 to 1833, when he resigned, finding a due attention to the cares of the position incompatible with his parliamentary duties. In politics he was a liberal; he rarely spoke, but was a diligent and efficient member of committees.

Sources

16. Authors, Dictionary of British and American: S. Austin Allibone. 3 vols. Philadelphia, 1859-'71.

42. Biographical Dictionary: Rev. Hugh J. Rose. 12 vols. London, 1850.

146. Gentleman's Magazine. London, 1731-1868.
Gilbert, John T., see Nos. 110, 335.