It is 100 years since possibly Wales' greatest scientist died. Alfred Russel Wallace was born in Usk, Monmouthshire but found fame in his lifetime for the work he did in what is now Indonesia. He was the co-discoverer of the theory of evolution by natural selection, though because the other scientist to discover the idea (Charles Darwin) wrote the book - he got most of the credit.
Although most of Wallace's work was biological he did make some discoveries, other tha evolution, that have some geological significance. He defined the study of biogeography and worked out one of the earliest pieces of evidence that would,after his death, be explained by plate tectonics - the Wallace Line.
Although he was one of the most famous scientists of his day, he fell into obscurity after his death. This is being rectified with a new statue that has been installed at the Natural History Museum. His is an inspiring story of scientific excellence, utter determination and modesty despite his obvious talents - he is a Welshman to admire.
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