Edward Forbes (February 12, 1815 - November 18, 1854) was a Manx naturalist. He abandoned the idea of taking a medical degree, resolving to devote himself to science and literature. During the winter of 1836-37 he attended the lectures at the Jardin des Plantes on natural history, comparative anatomy, geology and mineralogy. In 1841 his History of British star-fishes was published containing 120 illustrations all designed by the author. One of Forbes' achievements was to have advised and helped the young Thomas Henry Huxley before, during and after the latter's voyage on HMS Rattlesnake. During the voyage Huxley sent details of his discoveries back to Forbes, who arranged for their publication. During his lifetime he held posts at many prestigious organization; Geological Society of London, King's College London, Geological Survey of Great Britain, Royal School of Mines, and at the University of Edinburgh. Shortly after commencing his winter course of lectures in Edinburgh (1854), he became ill and died at the age of 39.