David Stead was a naturalist who wrote occasional papers for botanical and zoological journals as well as articles for newspapers. He also published monographs on fish and crustaceans. In 1906 Stead wrote that since his earliest years he had been fascinated by the natural world and had a 'powerful impulse' to make his discoveries known to others. He believed that this ambition had become 'almost the sole object of my existence'.

Stead is the father of Christina Stead (q.v.)

Source: A. G. Stephens (ed.) 'Australian Autobiographies' vol.2.