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1846 Richard Owen and Moa leg fossil
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1846 Richard Owen and Moa leg fossil
Richard Owen (20, July 1804- 18 December 1892) photo-engraved by Walker and Boutall around 1894 from an 1846 Daguerrotype. Owen was a comparative anatomist and palaeontologist - one of the most famous and politically influential biologists of the Victorian era. His achievements included coining the word Dinosauria (1842), and establishing the new British Museum of Natural History at South Kensington (1881). This photo commemorates his acheivement in theorising the existence of a giant flightless bird in New Zealand (the Moa) on the basis of just one small bone. He was soon proved right as this photo of him with a complete leg shows. Owens reputation was damaged by his unwillingness to accept criticism, and a tendency to ruthlessly manoeuvre positions to take credit for discoveries. In fact the existence of the Moa had been supposed by others before him, but Owen failed to cite them
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Media ID 6318015
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Anatomist Black And White British Biologist British Museum Of Natural History Comparative Anatomy Cuvier Darwin Enemy Darwin Fossils Dinosaur Dinosauria Fossils Hunterian Mantell Nautilus Owen Palaeontologist Victorian Zoologist Mono Chrome
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the renowned biologist and comparative anatomist, Richard Owen, alongside a fossilized Moa leg. Taken from an 1846 Daguerrotype and expertly photo-engraved by Walker and Boutall around 1894, this image showcases Owen's significant contribution to the scientific world during the Victorian era. Richard Owen holds a prominent place in history for coining the term "Dinosauria" in 1842 and his instrumental role in establishing the esteemed British Museum of Natural History at South Kensington in 1881. However, it was his groundbreaking theory on the existence of a colossal flightless bird known as the Moa that truly solidified his legacy. Despite facing criticism for his unwillingness to accept opposing viewpoints and maneuvering positions to claim credit for discoveries already proposed by others, this photograph commemorates Owen's triumph. The complete Moa leg depicted here serves as irrefutable evidence supporting his initial hypothesis based solely on one small bone. Owen's expertise extended beyond paleontology; he was also an accomplished zoologist with a particular interest in comparative anatomy. His contributions have left an indelible mark on our understanding of prehistoric life, making him both celebrated and controversial within scientific circles. Paul D. Stewart skillfully captured this momentous occasion through monochrome photography, emphasizing not only Owen's presence but also highlighting the significance of this giant bird species that once roamed New Zealand. This image stands as a testament to Richard Owen's enduring impact on biology and paleontology during one of history's most influential eras.
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