Postcard : 1819 Sir Everard Home icthyosaur letter

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1819 Sir Everard Home icthyosaur letter

Sir Everard Home (1756-1832) contemporary portrait engraving and letter to arctic explorer William Scoursby discussing his naming of Proteosaurus (ichthyosaur). Home was the first president of the Royal College of Surgeons and studied under John Hunter (who married Homes sister). He was the first geologist to publish detailed reports and illustrations on the ichthyosaurs but did a poor job, naming them Proteosaurus in 1819 - a name that was widely ignored (he suggested affinities to Salamanders and may have been influenced by Cuviers giant salamander - itself a correction of Sheuchzers infamous flood victim, Homo diluvii testis! ). Preference was given to Konigs unpublished suggestion of the name ichthyosaur. Home commonly corresponded with Mary Anning and here mentions Bullocks Museum, See other images in this collection. In the collection of the photographer

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6319553

© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Buckland Conybeare Cuvier Everard Home Ichthyosaur Icthyosaur Letter Mary Anning Proteosaurus Royal College Of Surgeons Bullocks Museum John Hunter Palaeontology

Postcards (8 pack of A6)

Set of 8, A6 Postcards, featuring the same image on all cards in a set. Printed on 350gsm premium white satin card, the back of the postcard includes space to write messages and an area for the address and stamp. Size of each postcard is 15cm x 10.6cm.

Photo postcards are a great way to stay in touch with family and friends.

Estimated Product Size is 15cm x 10.6cm (5.9" x 4.2")

These are individually made so all sizes are approximate

Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with landscape (horizontal) or portrait (vertical) orientation to match the source image.

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the history of paleontology. The image showcases an engraving of Sir Everard Home, a renowned surgeon and geologist from the 19th century. Home's letter to arctic explorer William Scoursby is prominently displayed alongside his portrait. Sir Everard Home holds great importance in the field of paleontology as he was one of the first geologists to extensively study and document ichthyosaurs, ancient marine reptiles resembling fish. However, his naming choice for these creatures, Proteosaurus, did not gain widespread recognition. Influenced by Cuvier's giant salamander and its connection to Sheuchzer's infamous flood victim theory (Homo diluvii testis), Home suggested affinities between ichthyosaurs and salamanders. Interestingly, this letter also reveals Home's correspondence with Mary Anning, another prominent figure in paleontology during that era. In their exchange, they discuss Bullocks Museum, indicating their shared interest in showcasing fossils for public education. The photograph provides a glimpse into the scientific community at that time and highlights some controversial aspects of early paleontological research. It serves as a reminder that even esteemed scientists like Sir Everard Home were not immune to making mistakes or facing criticism. Paul D. Stewart skillfully captured this historical artifact from Science Photo Library's collection with meticulous attention to detail. This print serves as both an educational resource and a testament to the evolution of scientific understanding over time.

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