William Henry Harvey was an Irish botanist born in 1811, known for his extensive work on marine algae. He made significant contributions to the study of phycology, the branch of botany that focuses on algae. Harvey's most notable work, "Phycologia Britannica," published in 1846, cataloged many species of British seaweeds and is still referenced today. In addition to his research, Harvey was a professor at Queen's College, Cork, where he taught botany and inspired many students. His dedication to the field helped advance the understanding of marine plants, and he is remembered as a pioneer in the study of marine biology.