Eugéne Mayor

Eugène Mayor (7 June 1877, Neuchâtel – 14 September 1976, Neuchâtel) was a Swiss physician and mycologist known for his research on parasitic microfungi. After graduating in medicine from Geneva in 1906, he gained international recognition through his 1910 scientific expedition to Colombia with Otto Fuhrmann, which resulted in the discovery of 126 new fungal species. He served as a physician at the cantonal hospice of Perreux-sur-Boudry from 1913 to 1942, after which he continued his mycological research at the University of Neuchâtel, ultimately publishing nearly 120 scientific works.

Early life and career

Eugène Mayor was born in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. He studied medicine in Geneva, graduating in 1906, and initially developed an interest in natural sciences, particularly ornithology and later mycology. His introduction to microscopic fungi came through pastor Denis Cruchet. Throughout his life, he maintained an intense focus on parasitic microfungi, conducting detailed biological studies and experimental infections to accurately identify species.

Professional activities

From 1913 to 1942, Mayor served as a physician at the cantonal hospice of Perreux-sur-Boudry (Neuchâtel). After retirement in 1942, he continued his mycological research at first in the Institute of Zoology and later at the Institute of Botany in Neuchâtel. Throughout his career, Mayor accumulated extensive mycological collections, renowned for their high quality and scientific value. These collections, donated by Mayor in 1969, are preserved at the Institute of Botany of the University of Neuchâtel and have been frequently referenced by leading mycologists globally.

Selected works Mayor published nearly 120 scientific works from 1901 to 1976, including numerous articles in the Bulletin de la Murithienne and Bulletin de la Société Neuchâteloise. Some notable publications include: