In March 2023, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) named three asteroids after Jesuit astronomers, bringing the total number of asteroids named in honour of Jesuits to more than thirty. The Jesuit encounter with astronomy is well known in history and continues to receive attention in popular media. But not many know about the Jesuit association with something not as fascinating as celestial objects: the creepy world of reptiles and insects. Closer home in India, several Jesuits have literally dirtied their hands to unravel the understanding of our slimy brethren.
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Dr Joseph Satish V is a historian of Jesuit science in India. The research for this article was made possible through a grant awarded by the International Research Network for the Study of Science and Belief in Society (INSBS). He can be contacted at joseph.satish@gmail.com.
