W. S. Bisat (1886–1973): his life and influence on Carboniferous stratigraphy

An outline is given of the business and personal life of a professional civil engineer who was introduced to Carboniferous geology and palaeontology in the north of England by amateurs and, through his own efforts as an amateur and the help of others, became an internationally recognized expert on goniatites and Carboniferous stratigraphy. Through his fieldwork and goniatite determinations he was able to establish, in 1924, a set of faunal zones for the Carboniferous of northern England that provided the key to unlocking many of the problems of Carboniferous stratigraphy throughout Europe and the USA. Subsequent researches and many publications refined and consolidated this scheme over the next 30 years. His relationship with other amateurs is explored and also his role in acting as a consultant to the professionals of the Geological Survey. His part in the origins of the Palaeontological Association in 1957 is given. Details of the many awards and honours he received are outlined, including the rare one for an amateur — that of Fellowship of the Royal Society.