MARSH, OTIINIEL CHARLES (1831-99). An American zoiilogist and paleontologist. He was born in Lockport, N. V., graduated at Vale Col lege, and studied in Germany. Upon his return to the United States lie was appointed professor of paleontology and curator of the geological mu seum at Yale, and held these positions until his death. Professor Marsh accomplished a great amount of valuable scientific work in the discov ery and description of new fossil vertebrates from the geological formations of the Western States and Territories. In carrying out his investiga tions he organized many exploring expeditions at Ids own expense, and directed others which were equipped by the United Stales Geological Sur vey. More than 400 new fossil species of verte brates were described by Professor Marsh, among them such interesting types as the Dinocerata (huge tapir-like animals), Pterodactyls (flying lizards). and Odontornithes (toothed birds). His
discoveries of the fossil ancestors of the marked an epoch in evolutionary science and have been frequently employed as an illustration of the principle of evolution. The more extended and general articles by l'rofessor Marsh were incorporated in the Reports of • the 'United States Geological Survey. He served as president of the meriean Association for the Advancement of Science in 1878, and of the Na tional Academy of Sciences from 1883 to 1895.
The Geological Society of London, of which he Nis a fellow, la.stowed upon him the first Iligsby medal in 1877. lie also received the Cutter prize of the French Academy of Sciences. Ilis valu able collection of fossil vertebrates was left to Vale University.