James Hector, Scottish geologist and surgeon (died 1907)

Sir James Hector was a Scottish-New Zealand geologist, naturalist, and surgeon who accompanied the Palliser Expedition as a surgeon and geologist. He went on to have a lengthy career as a government employed man of science in New Zealand, and during this period he dominated the colony's scientific institutions in a way that no single person has since.

March 16 is the 75th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 290 days remain until the end of the year.