Posts tagged 18th Century

Top left: Hippocampus sp. internal structure
Top right: Short-snouted seahorse - Hippocampus hippocampus
Center: 1. Syngnathus hippocampus [now Hippocampus hippocampus]
2. Pegasus draconis [now Eurypegasus draconis] - the Little Dragonfish (*unrelated to Syngnathidae family*)
3. Syngnathus pelagicus - the Sargassum pipefish
Bottom: Phyllopteryx taeniolatus -the Weedy Sea Dragon

Despite their remarkable appearance, seahorses are true ray-finned bony fishes (class Actinopterygii, infraclass Teleostei), along with bass, mullets, eels, salmon, and lanternfish.

Many people know of the male seahorse incubating the eggs and giving “birth” to 100-1000 offspring after they hatch, but reproduction is similar throughout the order Syngnathidae (including the seahorses, leafy and weedy sea dragons, and pipefish). There’s a persistent myth that seahorses are monogamous, but that’s not strictly true. The majority of species are serially monogamous, and remain together throughout the mating season (until the male births the babies).

Another remarkable thing about seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) is that they’re the only fish with prehensile tails - even their close relatives, the sea dragons and pipefish, don’t have this adaptation. However, since the seahorses are the only ones that swim upright, and they have the poorest locomotive skills, they need to be able to anchor themselves to the sea flora in order to not be swept away. The Guinness Book of World Records has named Hippocampus zosterae, the dwarf seahorse, the slowest fish in the world, moving less than 5 ft [150 cm] an hour.

Aside from the seahorses, the razorfish (Aeoliscus strigatus) is the only other fish to swim “upright”.

Images:
Bulletin of the United States Fish Commission, Vol 1. 1881.
Arcana; or, The Museum of Natural History. George Perry, 1811.

kidsneedscience:

Born in 1707, Carl Linnaeus would rise to such a level of greatness that the philosopher Jean-Jaques Rousseau once said “Tell him I know no greater man on earth,” and was heralded by many of his contemporaries and apostles as Princeps botanicorum - the Prince of Botany. This praise was not without merit: he’s the reason we name almost everything in biology the way that we do. Prior to Linnaeus, the science dealing with naming, organizing, and classifying organisms, called taxonomy, was a disorganized and confusingly complex mess. The word taxonomy is derived from an irregularly-conjugated Ancient Greek word taxis which means arrangement, and the Ancient Greek suffix -nomia, derived from the Ancient Greek word nemein, meaning to manage.

Linnaeus had a passion for botany, and while he went to school to study medicine, his long-term goals always included learning about plants. At 25, he won a grant to travel to Lapland and document the local flora and fauna. While there, he began to classify the flowers he found with what we now know as the bionomial classification system - from the Latin bi, meaning two, and nominus meaning name. Prior to this system, species were given long, many-worded descriptive names, and there were several competing outlines for classifying plants and animals into groups, none of which were particularly accurate or helpful to a scientist not intimate with the specific branch of biology the outline was designed for. 

The binomial classification system uses two identifiers for a species - the “generic name” (also known as its genus), and the “specific” name (also known as the species). Linnaeus introduced this system in his book Systema naturae, first published in 1735. Even though the first edition was basic and just twelve pages long, it introduced to the scientific community a system that was simple, understandable, easy to remember, and easy to add new species to. Throughout his life, Linnaeus and his apostles continued work on Systema naturae, and by its 10th Edition in 1758, it classified over 4400 species of animals, and 7700 species of plants.

Portrait of Carl Linneaus by Hendrik Hollander, 1853, in the public domain.

Image from Haeckel’s Tree of Life in the public domain.

Guest post for Kids Need Science.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature 101

cabbagingcove: Sainte Valérie, by Jaques Laudin II St. Valerie of Limoges was one of many Catholic early Christian saints who was a cephalophore - a martyr who carried their head in their hands. Many of these cephalophores supposedly spoke, prayed, or walked somewhere, after being beheaded. Painting circa 1700, via Wikimedia Commons. “Cephalophore” is an interesting word - it means “head-bearing”, and has the same Greek root as “cephalopod,” which means “head-foot”. For a while, there was a family of molluscs with distinct heads, and a family of filiform mushrooms that were called “cephalophores”, but both uses of that term in taxonomy are obsolete by a couple centuries. ETA: Cephalophores are recognized by the Catholic church as saints, but they were well-known before the Reformation, and even before the real organization of the Catholic church, so they’re more early Christian than Catholic, I guess.

cabbagingcove:

Sainte Valérie, by Jaques Laudin II

St. Valerie of Limoges was one of many Catholic early Christian saints who was a cephalophore - a martyr who carried their head in their hands. Many of these cephalophores supposedly spoke, prayed, or walked somewhere, after being beheaded.

Painting circa 1700, via Wikimedia Commons.

“Cephalophore” is an interesting word - it means “head-bearing”, and has the same Greek root as “cephalopod,” which means “head-foot”.

For a while, there was a family of molluscs with distinct heads, and a family of filiform mushrooms that were called “cephalophores”, but both uses of that term in taxonomy are obsolete by a couple centuries.

ETA: Cephalophores are recognized by the Catholic church as saints, but they were well-known before the Reformation, and even before the real organization of the Catholic church, so they’re more early Christian than Catholic, I guess.

Ganglion cyst, aka “Bible bump”, aka “Let’s hit you with a large book!” Given the name “Bible cyst” or “Bible bump” from the original “treatment” of hitting the deformity with a Bible or other large book, ganglion cysts are actually considered tumors. Over 60% of the non-cancerous tumors of the hand are ganglionic, but their etiology is still not completely understood. The first description of these tumors was given by Hippocrates as “knots of tissue containing mucoid flesh”, but the first theories of their origins weren’t put forth until 1746, when one Dr. Eller wrote a descriptive paper on them. He believed that they came from synovial herniation,  or rupture through the tendon sheath, and that they were true cysts. Later theories recognized that the tumors were growths arising from ganglionic sheaths and not encysted fluids or mucoid tissues, but the old theory of “just smack it with a heavy object to burst it and make the body reabsorb it” still stuck around for a long time. Though bursting the tumor can cause temporary disappearance, this often causes more serious recurrence and additional growth. As these tissues are not cancerous, it’s generally recommended to leave them alone when they’re not interfering with normal function. Sometimes they can press against other tendons or nerves and necessitate aspiration or surgical removal, but the incidence of recurrence is over 40%. In about 75% of cases, the “cyst” will disappear or significantly decrease on its own. So, yeah, don’t let anyone convince you to let them smack you with a heavy object, just because you have one of these growths! It’s a bad idea to let people smack you with heavy objects, just as a general rule… [Source: Medscape Reference: Ganglions] [Image: Iconograms. Prof. Bockenheimer, 1913.]

Ganglion cyst, aka “Bible bump”, aka “Let’s hit you with a large book!”

Given the name “Bible cyst” or “Bible bump” from the original “treatment” of hitting the deformity with a Bible or other large book, ganglion cysts are actually considered tumors. Over 60% of the non-cancerous tumors of the hand are ganglionic, but their etiology is still not completely understood.

The first description of these tumors was given by Hippocrates as “knots of tissue containing mucoid flesh”, but the first theories of their origins weren’t put forth until 1746, when one Dr. Eller wrote a descriptive paper on them. He believed that they came from synovial herniation,  or rupture through the tendon sheath, and that they were true cysts.

Later theories recognized that the tumors were growths arising from ganglionic sheaths and not encysted fluids or mucoid tissues, but the old theory of “just smack it with a heavy object to burst it and make the body reabsorb it” still stuck around for a long time. Though bursting the tumor can cause temporary disappearance, this often causes more serious recurrence and additional growth. As these tissues are not cancerous, it’s generally recommended to leave them alone when they’re not interfering with normal function. Sometimes they can press against other tendons or nerves and necessitate aspiration or surgical removal, but the incidence of recurrence is over 40%. In about 75% of cases, the “cyst” will disappear or significantly decrease on its own.

So, yeah, don’t let anyone convince you to let them smack you with a heavy object, just because you have one of these growths! It’s a bad idea to let people smack you with heavy objects, just as a general rule…

[Source: Medscape Reference: Ganglions]

[Image: Iconograms. Prof. Bockenheimer, 1913.]

Goliath birdeater - Theraphosa blondi The Goliath birdeater spider is the second-largest spider in the world, in terms of legspan, and probably the largest in terms of mass. Despite its name, it doesn’t often eat birds in the wild, if only because the webs of this species are upon the ground. Reptiles (including venomous snakes), amphibians, and small rodents are caught far more often. These spiders are tarantulas, and have the skin-piercing fangs and urticating hairs of that genus. However - unlike most other tarantulas - the males of this species don’t have “tibial spurs” (used to keep females in place while mating). Their pedipalps are sharpened at the end in a “palpal bulb”, which is used to hold both the females and prey. Vivarium Naturae, or: the Naturalist’s Miscellany. George Shaw, 1790.

Goliath birdeater - Theraphosa blondi

The Goliath birdeater spider is the second-largest spider in the world, in terms of legspan, and probably the largest in terms of mass. Despite its name, it doesn’t often eat birds in the wild, if only because the webs of this species are upon the ground. Reptiles (including venomous snakes), amphibians, and small rodents are caught far more often.

These spiders are tarantulas, and have the skin-piercing fangs and urticating hairs of that genus.

However - unlike most other tarantulas - the males of this species don’t have “tibial spurs” (used to keep females in place while mating). Their pedipalps are sharpened at the end in a “palpal bulb”, which is used to hold both the females and prey.

Vivarium Naturae, or: the Naturalist’s Miscellany. George Shaw, 1790.

Bone saws from the 17th and 18th centuries

Bone saws were some of the most commonly-used medical instruments during the Renaissance, as amputation was one of the most common surgical procedures performed.

Unfortunately for the patients, just like so much else during the 17th and 18th centuries, style and status was a huge thing for the surgeons, like so many other elites in society. Since the surgeries were often performed in surgical theaters, a great way for surgeons to show off their status was with ornately decorated surgical instruments - and the bone saws were often the most ornate of all.

Aside from being uncomfortable to hold, the gilt or carved cedar or ebony handles, and the ornately-embellished frames, were perfect places for bacteria to fester, and to transfer from patient-to-patient. The more elite the surgeon, the fancier the saw - and the deadlier the consequences.

Models located at Science Museum London, originally created ca. 1650-1780.

sciencemuseum.org.uk

Child’s arm holding the eye’s vascular tissue

Specimen prepared by Bernardus Siegfried Albinus, ca. 1730. Currently on display in the Anatomy Hall of Museum Boerhaave, in the city of Leiden, The Netherlands.

Photograph by [Astropop], 2009, All Rights Reserved.

Submitted by Thee Naluark.

Artistic interpretations of sea life, birds, and reptiles

Between the beginning of the Scientific Revolution (which began in the mid-17th century) and the early-19th Century movement towards dry and clinical accuracy in both anatomical and zoological illustrations, there was a period of extravagance, showiness, and artistic expression in the sciences.

Instead of being solely geared towards other scientists, the artists sought to entice the general public and show off their vast collections, in many of their works. This can be seen in the medical illustrations of Frederick Ruysch, as well as here, in the zoological illustrations of Albertus Seba.

[h/t to Biodiversity Library’s blog for tipping me off to the interesting connections between two collections already in my archive]

Locupletissimi rerum naturalium thesauri accurata descripto, tome II & III. Albetus Seba, 1735.

al

thagomizers:

Megatherium americanum (“great beast”)
Chordata/Mammalia/Pilosa/Megatheriidae

  • Late Pliocene/late Pleistocene (2 Ma - 10,000 years)
  • 22 ft in length and 5 tons
Described in 1796
Location : Central and south America
Diet : Omnivore

thagomizers

“Little did Ai know, his portrait would inspire thousands of awkward high school portraits, more than 250 years later.” Image: Maned three-toed sloth - Bradypus torquatus. From Verzameling van uitlandsche en zeldzamme vogelen, benevens eenige vreemde dieren en plantgewassen. George Edwards and M. Catesby, 1781.

“Little did Ai know, his portrait would inspire thousands of awkward high school portraits, more than 250 years later.”

image

Image: Maned three-toed sloth - Bradypus torquatus.
From Verzameling van uitlandsche en zeldzamme vogelen, benevens eenige vreemde dieren en plantgewassen. George Edwards and M. Catesby, 1781.

The Giant Amazonian Centipede - Scolopendra gigantea Like the other members of Scolopendra, the giant Amazonian centipede is predatory and venomous. The first body segment has a pair of modified legs terminating in sharp claws, called forcipules (you know, like forceps), which it uses to pull its prey to its mouthparts, where it injects its venom. Though typically non-fatal to humans (excepting those allergic to the venom toxins), giant centipede bites are incredibly painful and can cause symptoms for days on end. This venom is what allows them to hunt prey as large as small mammals and birds, without itself being eaten. I have no idea what people are thinking when they buy one of these, but they’re apparently a big thing in exotic insect circles. They’re known to be jumpy, nervous, and very aggressive both in the wild and in captivity, and can often escape enclosures that aren’t well-sealed. I mean, come on. Even tarantulas can be docile and friendly. And mantises are fun to watch and not venomous! And there are so many other options! Why a giant centipede? Vivarium Naturae; or, the Naturalist’s Miscellany. George Shaw, 1790.

The Giant Amazonian Centipede - Scolopendra gigantea

Like the other members of Scolopendra, the giant Amazonian centipede is predatory and venomous. The first body segment has a pair of modified legs terminating in sharp claws, called forcipules (you know, like forceps), which it uses to pull its prey to its mouthparts, where it injects its venom.

Though typically non-fatal to humans (excepting those allergic to the venom toxins), giant centipede bites are incredibly painful and can cause symptoms for days on end. This venom is what allows them to hunt prey as large as small mammals and birds, without itself being eaten.

I have no idea what people are thinking when they buy one of these, but they’re apparently a big thing in exotic insect circles. They’re known to be jumpy, nervous, and very aggressive both in the wild and in captivity, and can often escape enclosures that aren’t well-sealed. I mean, come on. Even tarantulas can be docile and friendly. And mantises are fun to watch and not venomous! And there are so many other options! Why a giant centipede?

Vivarium Naturae; or, the Naturalist’s Miscellany. George Shaw, 1790.

Reproduction of the Edible Snail (Helix pomatia) Like most gastropods, Helix pomatia is hermaphroditic - that is, they have the reproductive organs of both genders. They still engage in sexual reproduction, and the mating rituals of some land snails are truly bizarre. When two sexually mature snails meet and determine that they’re going to mate, “love darts” will often be exchanged in a pre-mating ritual. However, these darts are not part of the insemination process; mating takes place after this exchange. Darts don’t always hit their target (the other snail), and snails don’t always go into this “battle” with a dart prepared - snails who have never mated previously cannot create a dart, as the dart sac is not yet primed to lay down the chitin that the darts are comprised of. However, a snail who manages to hit their mate with a dart prior to mating have been shown to cause their mate to create a significantly higher number of eggs, and of those eggs, a higher percentage successfully hatch. The Naturalists Miscellany. George Shaw, 1790.

Reproduction of the Edible Snail (Helix pomatia)

Like most gastropods, Helix pomatia is hermaphroditic - that is, they have the reproductive organs of both genders. They still engage in sexual reproduction, and the mating rituals of some land snails are truly bizarre.

When two sexually mature snails meet and determine that they’re going to mate, “love darts” will often be exchanged in a pre-mating ritual. However, these darts are not part of the insemination process; mating takes place after this exchange.

Darts don’t always hit their target (the other snail), and snails don’t always go into this “battle” with a dart prepared - snails who have never mated previously cannot create a dart, as the dart sac is not yet primed to lay down the chitin that the darts are comprised of. However, a snail who manages to hit their mate with a dart prior to mating have been shown to cause their mate to create a significantly higher number of eggs, and of those eggs, a higher percentage successfully hatch.

The Naturalists Miscellany. George Shaw, 1790.

biomedicalephemera: The Naming of Beasts: Adam, in the Garden of Eden An angel holds a scroll with the title of the book and points toward Heaven, as Adam points toward a Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules). An Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) rests on the side of the rock Adam sits upon, and a Pipevine swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor) and white dragonfly (subfamily Anisoptera) are depicted aside the scene. Entomologie, ou, Histoire Naturelle des Insects: Coleoptera. Antoine Guilame Olivier, 1808. [Fourth edition, original publication date 1798.]

biomedicalephemera:

The Naming of Beasts: Adam, in the Garden of Eden

An angel holds a scroll with the title of the book and points toward Heaven, as Adam points toward a Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules).

An Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) rests on the side of the rock Adam sits upon, and a Pipevine swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor) and white dragonfly (subfamily Anisoptera) are depicted aside the scene.

Entomologie, ou, Histoire Naturelle des Insects: Coleoptera. Antoine Guilame Olivier, 1808. [Fourth edition, original publication date 1798.]

The Naming of Beasts: Adam, in the Garden of Eden An angel holds a scroll with the title of the book and points toward Heaven, as Adam points toward a Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules). An Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) rests on the side of the rock Adam sits upon, and a Pipevine swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor) and white dragonfly (subfamily Anisoptera) are depicted aside the scene. Entomologie, ou, Histoire Naturelle des Insects: Coleoptera. Antoine Guilame Olivier, 1808. [Fourth edition, original publication date 1798.]

The Naming of Beasts: Adam, in the Garden of Eden

An angel holds a scroll with the title of the book and points toward Heaven, as Adam points toward a Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules).

An Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) rests on the side of the rock Adam sits upon, and a Pipevine swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor) and white dragonfly (subfamily Anisoptera) are depicted aside the scene.

Entomologie, ou, Histoire Naturelle des Insects: Coleoptera. Antoine Guilame Olivier, 1808. [Fourth edition, original publication date 1798.]

Apropos for the season ~ this illustration is indeed by Frederick Ruysch, from a set of 1744 engravings.  biomedicalephemera: Arrangement of fetal skeletons, bladder calculi, blood vessels, and a songbird. Artist/Anatomist not noted, but the artistic style is that of Frederik Ruysch and he was one of the more notable at the height of the artistic Renaissance of anatomy. He arranged specimens in artistic poses and displayed them in glass-cased displays that fascinated and dazzled the public. Preserved specimens had only been developed and used since the late 1600s. While the novelty of seeing a preserved animal or human on display caught the public’s attention, the artistic stylings of the anatomists and naturalists of the day is what kept it.

Apropos for the season ~ this illustration is indeed by Frederick Ruysch, from a set of 1744 engravings. 

biomedicalephemera:

Arrangement of fetal skeletons, bladder calculi, blood vessels, and a songbird.

Artist/Anatomist not noted, but the artistic style is that of Frederik Ruysch and he was one of the more notable at the height of the artistic Renaissance of anatomy. He arranged specimens in artistic poses and displayed them in glass-cased displays that fascinated and dazzled the public. Preserved specimens had only been developed and used since the late 1600s. While the novelty of seeing a preserved animal or human on display caught the public’s attention, the artistic stylings of the anatomists and naturalists of the day is what kept it.