Genre:

Extract; Note

Publications extracted:

Buckland 1836

Subjects:

Palaeontology, Wonder, Design, Comparative Anatomy, Functionalism, Extinction, Geology, Time, Illustration, Museums

People mentioned:

Johann J Kaup , Georges Cuvier

Publications cited:

[Kaup 1832–38]

    The extract describes the genus Dinotherium, discussing the functional adaptation of its anatomy. A lengthy editorial footnote explains: 'It may perhaps be necessary to inform some of our readers that this singular creature is no longer to be found alive; but it is here described from those remains of it which have been discovered in a fossil state'. The editor refers to comments in an earlier article on the fact that 'many successive changes have taken place in the structure of the earth and its inhabitants' during a long earth history. Relates that '[t]he author of this account of the Dinotherium, after considerable study and research, has come to the conclusion that millions of years have elapsed since the creation, and has shewn (what indeed we never doubted,) that the Scriptures are quite in accordance with this opinion'. A second editorial note recounts of the large tusks on the lower jaw of Dinotherium: 'As this apparatus forms the great distinguishing characteristic of the strange animal we are describing, we had intended to further illustrate it by a wood-cut, but on second thoughts conceived it better to refer our readers to the original jaw in one of the upright cases of the long gallery at the British Museum, the inspection of which will amply reward all who are curious in such matters'. (386)

See also:

YM3/7/6/2