Robert Patterson, Naturalist, Is Born in Belfast

Robert Patterson, FRS (1802–1872) was an Irish businessman and naturalist born in Belfast, Ireland.

The eldest son of Robert Patterson (1750–1831), owner of a mill-furnishing business in Belfast established in 1786, Robert Patterson was born into a wealthy family. He was educated first at the Belfast Academy under the direction of a Dr. Bryce, and then at the Belfast Academical Institution. Here he won a prize for an essay on the natural history of Lough Neagh.