Someone’s wonderful album of shots from the Galapagos Islands on Flickr, here.
Galapagos
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Today in Science History
From Today in Science History:
Roger Tory Peterson (Born 28 Aug 1908; died 28 Jul 1996). American ornithologist and conservationist who wrote and illustrated wildlife field books on birds. His first book, A Field Guide to the Birds, published in 1934 reached its fourth edition in 1980, having increased public interest in the study of birds across the American and European continents.
Sir T.W. Edgeworth David (Died 28 Aug 1934; born 28 Jan 1858). Sir T(annatt) W(illiam) Edgeworth David was a Welsh-born Australian geologist who produced an extensive study of the geology of Australia, including the first geological map of the Sydney-Newcastle Basin. He also researched the evidence of major glaciations in Australia of the Upper Paleozoic time (from 345- to 225- million years ago). In 1897, he drilled to a depth of 340-m at Funafuti Atoll in an effort to verify Darwin’s theory of the formation of coral atolls. Whereas his results supported Darwin’s ideas, they were short of absolute proof. He served as scientific officer of the Shackleton Antarctic Expedition from 1907-9, and led the party that first reached the southern magnetic pole on 16 Jan 1909, which was on land at that time.
In Defense of Beagle
Dale Husband decided that the HMS Beagle Project was A really stupid way to honor Darwin:
Why is this idea stupid? Because you can accomplish a lot more scientific research with a modern ship dealing with present day biological issues rather than merely reenacting Darwin’s voyage. Science is not about taking the road already traveled, but going down a previously untraveled path to see what might be found. I will not contribute a dime to such a dubious project. Indeed, I think it is a SCAM!
Check out the comments in the post for folks coming to the defense of the HMS Beagle Project, from the likes of Karen, Kevin, Bora, Michael, and more.
How to Show Natural History: the Old & the New
the Old: Living on Earth‘s radio show for the week of August 15th:
“Amazing Rare Things: Naturalist and documentary film-maker Sir David Attenborough talks with host Steve Curwood about his book, “Amazing Rare Things: The Art of Natural History in the Age of Discovery
the New: iNaturalist.org:
“iNaturalist.org encourages the participation of all nature enthusiasts, including, but not exclusive to, hikers, hunters, birders, beach combers, mushroom foragers, park rangers, ecologists, and fishermen. Through these different perceptions and expertise of the natural world, we hope to create extensive community awareness of local biodiversity. This site combines common web technologies to provide a fun and efficient way to record, find, and share nature observations. It also provides forums and community spaces for nature enthusiasts to interact and meet others with similar interests. Through fostering these nature observations and communities, we hope to encourage further exploration and appreciation of our local environments.” [Hat-tip to Bora]
You should read Deep Sea News
Words of wisdom from a kid in his treehouse
Today in Science History
From Today in Science History:
Lionel Walter Rothschild (Died 27 Aug 1937; born 8 Feb 1868). (2nd Baron Rothschild (of Tring)) British zoologist and collector who founded the Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum, Tring, which opened to the public in 1892 and is now part of the Natural History Museum. His interest in natural history began when he was a child, collecting butterflies. Numerous species and sub-species of animals were named after him. From Tring, he issued Novitates Zoologicae, and published scores of scientific papers. He was the eldest son of financier Nathan Mayer Rothschild, 1st Baron Rothschild, whom he disappointed by devoting his life to natural history instead of the family banking business. He received his titles on the death of his father in 1915.
One Beetle Too Many: The Extraordinary Adventures of Charles Darwin
A new children’s book about Darwin to be released in January 2009:
One Beetle Too Many: The Extraordinary Adventures of Charles Darwin by Kathryn Lasky
From the time Charles Darwin was a boy, he was happiest when he was out alone collecting specimens (especially beetles). And despite his father’s efforts to turn young Darwin — a poor student — into a doctor or clergyman, the born naturalist jumped instead at the chance to sail around South America, observing and collecting flora and fauna all the way. In a clear, engaging narration, Kathryn Lasky takes readers along on Darwin’s journey, from his discovery of seashells on mountaintops that revealed geological changes to his observations of variations in plants and animals, suggesting that all living things are evolving over time. Matthew Trueman’s striking mixed-media illustrations include actual objects found in nature, enhancing this compelling look at the man behind the bold theory that would change the way we think about the world — and ourselves.
Today in Science History
From Today in Science History:
Antony van Leeuwenhoek (Died 26 Aug 1723; born 24 Oct 1632). Dutch scientist, microscopist and zoologist who was the first to observe bacteria and protozoa. His researches on lower animals refuted the doctrine of spontaneous generation, and his observations helped lay the foundations for the sciences of bacteriology and protozoology.
Charles Darwin at Shrewsbury school
Today in Science History
From Today in Science History:
Martin Heinrich Rathke (Born 25 Aug 1793; died 3 Sep 1860). German physiologist and pathologist who was one of the founders of modern embryology. He was the first to describe the embryonic precursors of gill slits and gill arches in the embryos of higher animals – mammals and birds – which have none when fully grown. Rathke compared the development of the air sacs in birds and the larynx in birds and mammals. In 1839, he traced the origin of the anterior pituitary gland from a depression in the roof of the mouth, which embryonic structure is now known as Rathke’s pouch. Rathke also did pioneering work in marine zoology, as being first to describe lancet fish.«
Darwin’s Garden Exhibit @ The Huntington Library & Botanical Gardens in California
From The Huntington’s website:
Darwin’s Garden: An Evolutionary Adventure
Oct. 4, 2008 – Jan. 5, 2009
Library West Hall
Charles Darwin is best known for his theory of evolution and other natural history achievements, but little is known about his enduring and insightful work with plants and the important role they played in formulating his ideas. While still a young man, he traveled aboard the HMS Beagle, writing in his journal that his mind was “a chaos of delight” as he reveled in the luxuriance of tropical forests. He spent much of his time collecting plants along with fossil bones and bird skins. Darwin’s collection of “all plants in flower” from the Galápagos Islands, for example, became the basis for the first flora of that archipelago and provided his strongest evidence for evolution.
Next year marks the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of Origin of Species. To commemorate the occasion, the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) opened this exhibition in April 2008; The Huntington will be its only traveling venue. The exhibition explores the botanical influences on Darwin’s formative years in education, their impact on Origin of Species, and Darwin’s place in the field of evolutionary botany. More than 60 items will be on display, including rare books, manuscripts, and prints from the NYBG collection and loans from private individuals and institutions. The Huntington will display its own copies of a selection of items from the exhibition checklist.
Today in Science History
From Today in Science History:
Anna Botsford Comstock (Died 24 Aug 1930; born 1 Sep 1854). (née Anna Botsford) American illustrator, writer, and educator remembered for her work in nature study.
Pliny the Elder (Died 24 Aug 79 A.D.; born 23 A.D.). Roman savant and author of the celebrated Natural History, in 37 volumes an encyclopaedic work of very uneven accuracy that was nonetheless an authority on scientific matters up to the Middle Ages. He prepared this as a digest of two thousand ancient books written by nearly five hundred writers. He was mostly undiscriminating regarding the accuracy of the content. Though he rejected, for example, the possibility of immortality, he also rejected Pytheas’ valid theory that the moon was responsible for tides. Correctly, he accepted the spherical form of the Earth. As another example, he included various theories on the origin of amber, one correct among others fanciful and wrong. The book dealt in subjects ranging from astronomy, geography, and zoology. He died in the eruption of Vesuvius, too anxious to witness the event to retreat from the ashes and toxic gases.
Carl Zimmer: Darwin, Linnaeus, and One Sleepy Guy
Check out Carl Zimmer’s post, Darwin, Linnaeus, and One Sleepy Guy:
We are now descending into a frenzy of Darwin celebrations, and you’re not going to escape it until the end of 2009. We’ve got his 200th birthday in February, and the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Origin of Species in November. The spotlight is going to be on Darwin, and Darwin alone.
I think this is a mistake. Darwin deserves celebrating, but that doesn’t mean we should fall prey to a cult of personality. Darwin did not invent biology. Darwin did not even find most of the evidence that he used to back up his theory of evolution. And he certainly did not discover all there was to know about evolution. Biologists have discovered many new things about evolution since his time. In some cases, they’ve challenged some of his most important arguments. And that’s fine. That’s the great strength of science.
Charles Darwin On The Galapagos Islands
Tattooed – Dinosaurs & Darwin
We went to the Museum of the Rockies here in town for a free family day and barbecue, and Patrick got a Triceratops tattoo (for me, a Tyrannosaurus rex). He absolutely loved it! Then later in my mail was an envelope from the New York Botanical Garden. Their marketing department saw this picture I shared, and offered to mail me some of their Darwin’s Garden temporary tattoos. As can be seen in the picture here, they sent a bunch. Thanks! If anyone wants a few, I would be happy to send some your way…
Check out the Science Tattoo Emporium!
Today in Science History
From Today in Science History:
Georges Cuvier (Born 23 Aug 1769; died 13 May 1832). (Baron) French zoologist and statesman, who established the sciences of comparative anatomy and paleontology.
Philip Henry Gosse (Died 23 Aug 1888; born 6 Apr 1810). English popular science writer and naturalist who wrote books illustrating such topics as Jamaican wildlife and marine zoology. Stephen Jay Gould called Gosse the “David Attenborough of his day.” However, he did not accept the theory of evolution, and in his best-known book, Omphalos, he attempted to apply biblical literalism in a way still consistent with uniformitarianism. His premise in the book was criticized by both sides of the debate. He invented the institutional aquarium when on 21 May 1853, he opened the Aquatic Vivarium, the world’s first public aquarium in Regent’s Park, London
Alexander Wilson (Died 23 Aug 1813; born 6 Jul 1766). Scottish-born ornithologist and poet who left his homeland in 1794, aged 27, in search of a better life in America. Naturalist William Bartram sparked his interest in birds. By 1802, Wilson had resolved to author a book illustrating every North American bird. He travelled extensively to make paintings of the birds he observed. This pioneering work on North American birds grew to nine volumes of American Ornithology, published between 1808 and 1814, with illustrations of 268 species, of which 26 were new. As a founder of American ornithology he became one of the leading naturalists who also made the first census of breeding birds, corrected errors of taxonomy, and may have inspired Audubon’s later work when they met in 1810.
A wonderful thing to see…
Bald Eagle, Madison River, Yellowstone National Park
We went into Yellowstone this last Monday. More photos here.
CONFERENCE: Evolution – the Experience
From the website:
Conference 8-13 February 2009
Melbourne Convention Centre Australia
Come Share in a Unique Experience
You are invited to come to Melbourne to share in a unique conference experience, celebrating the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth (February 12, 1809) and the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Origin of the Species
When Charles Darwin came to Australia on the voyage of HMS Beagle in 1836 he was an obscure English naturalist.
23 years later the publication of Darwin’s book, Origin of the Species, sparked an intellectual, social and spiritual revolution. It radically transformed our understanding of life on this planet – the origins of life, our relationship to other species and the way life can adapt or fail to do so in the face of environmental change.
Evolution – the Experience will explore the breadth and depth of Darwin’s ongoing impact in basic biology, agriculture, medicine, psychology, sociology, politics, history and religion.
Evolution – the Experience will be embedded in rich menu of public events, each in their own way touching the Darwinian theme – theatre, film, forums, debates and exhibitions involving theatre companies, orchestras, cinemas, museums, art galleries, libraries, botanic gardens, zoos, herbaria, schools, universities and the media. And on February 12, 2009 there will be a unique birthday celebration for Charles Darwin.
Register your interest in being part of this extraordinary experience so that we can keep you updated of all key information.
Mandeville’s Ship: Theistic Design and Philosophical History in Charles Darwin’s Vision of Natural Selection
Alter, Stephen G. “Mandeville’s Ship: Theistic Design and Philosophical History in Charles Darwin’s Vision of Natural Selection.” Journal of the History of Ideas 69 (July 2008): 441-465.
Abstract This essay examines the analogy of a savage observing a sailing ship found in the final chapter of Darwin’s Origin of Species, an image that summed up his critique of British natural theology’s “design” thesis. Its inspiration drawn from works by Mandeville and Hume, and Darwin’s experience on the Beagle voyage, the ship illustration shows how Darwin conceived of natural selection’s relationship to theistic design in terms of a historical consciousness developed by Scottish Enlightenment thinkers. That outlook involved a dual emphasis on the rationality of historical inquiry and the largely irrational character of the actual historical process. Symbolized by the history of ship construction, this perspective aided Darwin in formulating his response to British natural theology.
Also in this issue: “The Pointsman: Maxwell’s Demon, Victorian Free Will, and the Boundaries of Science”
RIP LeRoi Moore, saxophonist for the Dave Matthews Band
Part 2 of Richard Dawkins’ "The Genius of Charles Darwin"
It was liveblogged at The Beagle Project Blog.
The New York Botanical Gardens: Darwin Tattoo
Thanks, NYBG, for sending these along!
Draft image for Darwin tattoo — Now I need some bodies
From Colin Purrington:
I’m about to order 2000 temporary tattoos in preparation for Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday. I’m going to give them to my students and science-lovin’ friends. I’m even going to send a bunch in with my kids to their elementary school, to distribute among their friends.
But to get the interest of people who might otherwise be uninterested in displaying fondness for science, I need some help. What I need are some brave souls to model the final product, and then send me a high-quality photograph I can use to promote Darwin recognition. Yea, science is inherently sexy, but sometimes it needs a little help. So I’m betting there is somebody out there that (1) wants to help promote Darwin and (2) looks really, really great in a bikini or has some really well-defined rectus abdominis muscles. I want it PG-13, though, folks — something that will inspire others. I’ll post image back here, anonymously if you so desire. I’ll send a Darwin mug, some Magnetodarwins, and some repositionable laptop stickers for the winning entry (yea, pretty lame…but that’s all I got). Stickers for all others, with thanks to all.
Here are some photos to get you thinking:
www.flickr.com/photos/louobedlam/2545043712/
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/science-tattoo-emporium/?nggpage=4&pid=31
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/science-tattoo-emporium/?nggpage=4&pid=37
www.flickr.com/photos/grizab3lla/424714167/
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/science-tattoo-emporium/?nggpage=5&pid=43
www.flickr.com/photos/tmphotography/154998110/
Give me your address if you’re interested, and I’ll get a couple in the mail to you as soon as they come in.
And if you’re so totally not hot, find a friend who is and draft them for the cause. You have a camera, right?? Or, if you are a proud parent of some evolution-lovin’ kids, I would REALLY like some kids sporting these tattoos.
More information on Darwin image at www.swarthmore.edu/NatSci/cpurrin1/evolk12/posse/chazhasa….
The Dispersal of Darwin 