S. T. Satyamurthi

S. Thomas Satyamurti (8 June 1922 – ?) was an Indian zoologist and museum director who contributed to museology and zoological research in India. He served as the Superintendent of the Government Museum, Chennai, and the Connemara Public Library from 1960 to 1978.

S. T. Satyamurthi MA, DSc, FZS
Superintendent, Government Museum, Chennai and Connemara Public Library
In office 1961 (1961) – 1978 (1978)
Preceded by	A. Aiyappan
Succeeded by	N. Harinarayana
Assistant Superintendent, Government Museum, Chennai
In office 1958 (1958) – 1960 (1960)
Personal details
Born	(1922-06-08)8 June 1922 Madras, Madras Presidency
Scientific career
Fields	Zoology
Institutions	Government Museum, Chennai

Early life and education

Satyamurti was born on 8 June 1922 to D. P. R. Somasundaram and Mercy at Madras.^[1] He earned an M.A. degree in 1946 and later pursued advanced studies at the National University of Colorado, USA, where he obtained a D.Sc. degree in 1955.^[1]

Career

Satyamurti began his career as a Curator for Zoology at the Madras Government Museum (1942–1951).^[1] He then served in various roles:

• Curator, Natural History Museum, Darjeeling (1952–1953)^[2]
• Curator, Natural History Section, Prince of Wales Museum, Bombay (1954)^[1]
• Returned to Madras Government Museum as Curator (1956–1957)^[1]
• Promoted to Assistant Superintendent, Madras Government Museum (1958-1960)^[1]
• Served as Superintendent of the Madras Government Museum, and the Connemara Public Library (1961–1978)^[3]

Contributions

During his tenure at Madras Government Museum, he made significant contributions to museum by organising, documenting collections, and authoring guidebooks to provide detailed explanations of the exhibits. He oversaw the construction of a separate building for bronze collections in 1963, expanded the Chemical Conservation Section, and opened a new Birds Gallery in the same year.^[3] Satyamurti’s academic work focused on zoology and museology. His notable contributions include:

• Bulletins and monographs on marine, land, and freshwater mollusks of South India.^[1]
• Illustrated guidebooks on invertebrates, fishes, reptiles, birds, and mammals of South India.^[1]
• Handbooks on museum techniques and museology.^[1]

Professional affiliations

Satyamurti also was an active member of several prestigious organizations:

• Fellow, Zoological Society of London.^[1]
• Vice-President, Museums Association of India, Archaeological Society of South India, and Association of Zoologists, Madras.^[1]
• Member, International Council of Museums and Central Museums Review Committee.^[1]
• Official Member, Central Advisory Board of Museums.^[1]