1812 American Mastodon Jefferson mammoth
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1812 American Mastodon Jefferson mammoth
Grand Mastodon Engraving in Cuviers " Ossamens Fossiles" (1812). Mammut americanum is a late pliocene/pleistocene relative of the elephants whose fossils are found only in North America. First discovered in 1705, it was ascribed to giants destroyed in the flood. In the mid to late 1700s mastodon fossils were sent from French N. America to Paris. The animal became known as the " animal of Ohio" from its main source. The bones but not teeth resembled those of an elephant, so an elephant and giant hippopotamus were invoked. In 1766 Jefferson was sent specimens, and thought them like the mammoths of Siberia. He was interested in dismissing Buffons contention that the American fauna was degenerate. He instigated a hunt for a complete skeleton. C.W. Peale succeeded and displayed this specimen in 1801. Patriotic mammoth fever ensued. Cuvier produced the first good description (this plate)
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6319493
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Black And White Buffon Cuvier Extinct Flood Fossil Giant Mega Fauna Jefferson Mono Chrome Peale Thomas Jefferson
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the 1812 American Mastodon Jefferson mammoth, as depicted in Cuvier's "Ossamens Fossiles". The Mammut americanum, a relative of elephants from the late Pliocene and Pleistocene eras, is exclusively found in North America. Initially discovered in 1705, it was believed to be remnants of giants destroyed during the flood. During the late 1700s, mastodon fossils were sent from French North America to Paris. These bones bore resemblance to those of an elephant but lacked teeth similarity. Consequently, theories arose involving both elephants and giant hippopotamuses. In 1766, Thomas Jefferson received specimens and identified them as similar to Siberian mammoths. Intrigued by Buffon's claim that American fauna was degenerate, Jefferson initiated a hunt for a complete skeleton. C. W. Peale successfully obtained a full mastodon skeleton which he displayed in 1801. This sparked patriotic fervor surrounding these majestic creatures known as the "animal of Ohio" due to their primary source location. Notably, this plate featured in Cuvier's work represents one of the earliest comprehensive descriptions produced. Paul D. Stewart skillfully captures this historic illustration with monochromatic artistry. Through this image, we delve into an era when extinct mega fauna roamed North America while influential figures like Jefferson sought scientific understanding amidst prevailing misconceptions about our continent's wildlife diversity
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