1848 Hydrarchos Zeuglodon basilosaurus
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
1848 Hydrarchos Zeuglodon basilosaurus
1848 copper engraving from C.G. Caruss paper " Das Kopfskelet des Zeuglodon Hydrarchos". It shows the skull of " Dr." Albert Kochs 114 foot (34 metre) skeleton of a fossil sea serpent. It was displayed as such in the US and later in Europe where it caused a sensation. This was before the dinosaur reconstruction exhibitions of the crystal palace, or any accurate reconstructions of articulated dinosaurs had been attempted. Later Hydrachos was shown to be a forged composite of up to five individuals primarily of the fossil whale Basilosaurus - at the time believed to be reptilian (hence saurus ). Sir Richard Owen earlier showed Basilosaurus was actually a mammal and renamed it Zeuglodon - a synonym which is sometimes preferred but scientifically does not have primacy. While Kochs sea serpent was received with scepticism in the US and UK, it was accepted as real in his native Germany
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6347717
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Black And White Cetacean Composite Eocene Fake Forgery Fossil Germany Hoax Loch Ness Monster Reconstruction Richard Owen Whale Carus Koch Mono Chrome
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the year 1848, a time when scientific knowledge was still in its infancy. The image showcases an extraordinary copper engraving from C. G. Carus' paper titled "Das Kopfskelet des Zeuglodon Hydrarchos" depicting the skull of Dr. Albert Koch's colossal fossil sea serpent. Measuring a staggering 114 feet (34 meters) long, this skeleton caused quite a sensation when it was displayed first in the United States and later in Europe. At that point in history, accurate reconstructions of dinosaurs were yet to be attempted, making this spectacle all the more remarkable. However, as time went on and research progressed, it was revealed that Hydrarchos was not what it seemed. In fact, this awe-inspiring creature turned out to be a forgery composed of up to five different individuals primarily belonging to the fossil whale known as Basilosaurus – which had been mistakenly believed to be reptilian at that time. Sir Richard Owen played a crucial role by demonstrating that Basilosaurus was indeed a mammal and subsequently renaming it Zeuglodon. Despite initial skepticism in both the United States and the United Kingdom regarding Koch's sea serpent, his homeland Germany accepted it as genuine. This intriguing print serves as a reminder of how scientific understanding evolves over time and how even well-intentioned discoveries can sometimes turn out differently than expected.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
