Who is Isaac Dan der Grimnebulin from Perdido Street Station and what is their importance?

Isaac Dan der Grimnebulin is a research biologist, who collects various winged creatures to use in his study of flight. He is dedicated to his research and determined to understand everything about flight, so he can restore flight to those who have lost it and give it to those who desire it. Isaac is described as a "big, dark-skinned man" and "a dirigible".