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1763 Dinosaur bone misidentified scrotum
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1763 Dinosaur bone misidentified scrotum
Copperplate print page 318 by Proud in R. Brookes 1763 " The Natural History of Waters, Earths, Stones, Fossils and Minerals etc.". It seems to have been copied directly from Plots 1677 plate. Brookes confused the naming, by stating in the book that he was applying " the method in which Linnaeus has treated these subjects" and then naming this specimen (the humerus of a dinosaur) Scrotum Humanum on the plate. The text indicates Brookes was confused. He describes a fossil found looking like a scrotum, then goes on to separately describe a giant thighbone from Plot, as if a different entity. Luckily for paleontology it has been decided not to give Scrotum priority in naming over Dinosauria (Owen) or Megalosaurus (Buckland). Janet Browne reports a copy of this book was given to Charles Darwin as a child by his father. Charles was a keen fossil collector and this his first nature book
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6317545
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
Charles Darwin Child Hood First Dinosaur Fossil Megalosaur Megalosaurus Mistake Petrifaction Plot Influence Palaeontology
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This print showcases a historical artifact from the 18th century, specifically an intriguing copperplate print found on page 318 of Robert Brookes' renowned book "The Natural History of Waters, Earths, Stones, Fossils and Minerals etc" published in 1763. The image depicts a misidentified dinosaur bone that was mistakenly labeled as the Scrotum Humanum by Brookes himself. Brookes' confusion is evident as he attempted to apply Linnaeus' methodology to his work but ended up misnaming this particular specimen. Interestingly, this fossil resembles a scrotum according to the text description provided by Brookes. However, he also separately describes another colossal thighbone discovered by Plot as if it were an entirely different entity. Fortunately for paleontology enthusiasts and scholars alike, subsequent research has rectified this error in nomenclature. The scientific community decided not to prioritize the name "Scrotum" over other significant discoveries such as Dinosauria (Owen) or Megalosaurus (Buckland). Janet Browne's insightful account reveals that Charles Darwin received a copy of this very book during his childhood from his father. This early exposure undoubtedly influenced Darwin's passion for fossils and nature exploration throughout his life. As we delve into this remarkable piece of artwork intertwined with mistaken identity and its impact on paleontology's development, let us appreciate how even errors can contribute to our understanding of scientific progress.
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