Jens Rathke

at the University of Copenhagen in 1792, but soon left theology and began to study natural sciences.

[3] In 1810, he became a zoology professor at the University of Copenhagen, where he also taught lessons in botany and mineralogy.

He made several trips along the Norwegian coast from Bergen to Lofoten to investigate the conditions of fisheries.

He presented the results of these studies in Beiträge zur Fauna Norwegens, which was published in 1843.

Upon his death, he bequeathed his estate, funding a trust (Rathkes legat) at the University of Oslo to use for study of Norway's natural conditions.