30 August 2012 Last updated at 02:55 ET

Edward Lear: poetic science

He is perhaps best known for his nonsense poetry - including The Owl and the Pussycat - but Edward Lear's career began as a scientific artist. From owls and turtles, to lemurs and giant squirrels - he created colourful illustrations to help scientists with their research.

Some of his artwork is now on display at the Royal Society in London. Take a look with Jonathan Ashmore - the chair of the Royal Society library committee and lifelong Lear fan.

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Edward Lear and the Scientists can be seen at the Royal Society, London, until 26 October 2012. Admission free.

Click bottom right for image information.

All images subject to copyright. Images courtesy Royal Society, Zoological Society of London and Mary Evans Picture Library.

Music by KPM Music. Poetry read by Charlotte Green. Slideshow production by Paul Kerley. Publication date 30 August 2012.

Related:

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Monty Python star's operatic version of The Owl and the Pussycat

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