Mummified Ibis & Cuviers evolution Mummified Ibis & Cuviers evolution
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Mummified Ibis & Cuviers evolution Mummified Ibis & Cuviers evolution
Mummified Ibis Head from Egypt (Ptolemaic period 305-30 B.C.) together with English translations of Cuviers " Revolutions of the Surface of the Globe" and one of his Ibis plates reproduced after " Ossamens Fossiles" 1812. Cuvier opposed the idea of Transmutation (evolution). Following Napoleons Egypt campaign in 1798-1801 a large number of Ibis mummies came back to Paris. Lacepede, assisted by rivals Cuvier and Lamarck, saw it as a way to test if animals had changed in 3000 years. Looking at the mummies in comparison with modern Numenius ibix (the Sacred Ibis, now Threskiornis aethiopicus), he concluded " these animals are perfectly similar to those of today". Based on these observations Lamarcks hypothesis of transmutation was rejected by Cuvier, and consequently the scientific establishment. We now know the period of time involved was much too short for this test
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6317669
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
Cuvier Darwin Evolution Extinction Flood Lamarck Mummy Napoleon Transmutation Ibis Lacepede Mistakes Mummies Revolutions Sacred Ibis
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intriguing juxtaposition of ancient and modern scientific beliefs. In the center, we see a mummified ibis head from Egypt's Ptolemaic period (305-30 B. C. ), preserved in remarkable detail. Surrounding it are English translations of Cuvier's groundbreaking work, "Revolutions of the Surface of the Globe" alongside one of his reproduced ibis plates from "Ossamens Fossiles" in 1812. The story behind this image is as fascinating as its subjects. After Napoleon's campaign in Egypt between 1798 and 1801, numerous ibis mummies were brought back to Paris. Lacepede, with assistance from rivals Cuvier and Lamarck, seized this opportunity to investigate whether animals had evolved over a span of 3000 years. Upon comparing these ancient mummies with modern Sacred Ibis specimens (now known as Threskiornis aethiopicus), Lacepede concluded that they remained unchanged throughout time. This finding led Cuvier to reject Lamarck's hypothesis on transmutation or evolution, subsequently shaping the scientific establishment's stance at that time. However, we now understand that the timeframe for this test was too short to draw definitive conclusions about evolution. This photograph serves as a reminder of how scientific knowledge evolves over time and how mistakes can be made along the way. Paul D. Stewart masterfully captures not only an artistic representation but also an important moment in history when ideas clashed and shaped our understanding of life on Earth during the 19th century science era.
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.