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Darwin fossil specimens Hunterian Museum
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Darwin fossil specimens Hunterian Museum
Illustrated London News 4th October 1845. Engraving of the Hunterian Museum with Darwin-like figure central. Darwin discovered many striking extinct giant mammals while travelling overland in South America during the Voyage of the Beagle. They were sent back during his journey and looked after by his old tutor Henslow. On his return they were given to the Royal College of Surgeons Hunterian Museum (the British Museum had a bad reputation at that time). They were identified and named by Richard Owen ( then a friend of Darwin but later a bitter enemy). On left is a Mylodon (giant ground sloth) and right the carapace of a Glyptodont (armadillo relative). Many of the fossils Darwin found were related to the animals still living there. Darwin wondered if they were ancestors, and in later years would cite these fossils (and the Galapagos Islands) as " the origin of all my views"
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Media ID 6318651
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
Beagle Fitz Roy Fossil Mammal Mega Fauna Megatherium Mylodon Origin Of Species Palaeontological Pleistocene Richard Owen South America Toxodon Bahia Blanca Darwinii Glyptodon Glyptodont Macrauchenia Over Kill Palaeontology
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the essence of Darwin's groundbreaking discoveries during his voyage on the Beagle. The engraving depicts the Hunterian Museum, where a figure resembling Darwin stands at the center, surrounded by fossil specimens that would shape his revolutionary theories. Darwin's extensive travels through South America led him to uncover an array of astonishing extinct giant mammals. These remarkable findings were carefully preserved and cared for by his former tutor, Henslow, until they found their permanent home in the Royal College of Surgeons Hunterian Museum. On the left side of this illustration is a Mylodon, a colossal ground sloth that once roamed these lands. On the right side lies the carapace of a Glyptodont, an armored relative of modern-day armadillos. These fossils fascinated Darwin as he pondered their potential connection to present-day animals. Richard Owen played a significant role in identifying and naming these ancient creatures; however, despite initially being friends with Darwin, their relationship eventually soured into bitter enmity. The fossils discovered by Darwin not only provided evidence for evolution but also inspired him to explore further connections between species. In later years, he would refer to these fossils alongside his observations from the Galapagos Islands as "the origin of all my views". Through this mesmerizing artwork by Paul D. Stewart, we are transported back in time to witness one man's journey towards unraveling nature's most profound mysteries.
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