Mendes da Costa, Emanuel (1717-1791)

British naturalist.

Specialized in mineralogy and conchology and associated with such prominent intellectuals as Peter Collinson and John Fothergill.

Plagued by financial trouble, he spent time in debtors prison on at least two occasions.

Elected a Fellow of The Royal Society in 1747 and was the Society’s clerk from 1763 until his dismissal for dishonest conduct in 1767.