Comments on: platypus

Question: platypus

R. Mutt — Fri, 15 Jul 2005 08:43:10 -0800

I'm looking for a history of the western, scientific reaction to the platypus. Specifically, but not limited to, George Shaw's suspicion that the animal was a hoax. I have found many bits and pieces , but am looking for for the whole thing stitched together - thanks.

By: Clay201

Clay201 — Fri, 15 Jul 2005 09:14:00 -0800

Perhaps not what you're looking for, but I suggest reading Robert Pirsig's Lila (the sequel to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance). In it, he talks about the debate that surrounded the platypus.

By: null terminated

null terminated — Fri, 15 Jul 2005 09:17:33 -0800

This page has some info and also mentions a book that may be exactly what you're looking for.

By: j.edwards

j.edwards — Fri, 15 Jul 2005 09:44:21 -0800

I have an book by Willy Ley titled Exotic Zoology that contains a fairly detailed account. If you can't find a copy I'd be happy to scan it for you -- e-mail's in my profile.

By: zpousman

zpousman — Fri, 15 Jul 2005 10:40:36 -0800

A book that deals with this question, and the question of the Rhino (which Mr. Marco Polo thought was a very gray, very un-delicate unicorn), is Kant and the Platapus.

It's however, by Umberto Eco, so it's quite hard to read (50% fascinating history and philosophy, 25% really really arcane jokes that you know are funny, if only you could figure them out, and 25% references to books, people, literary movements, architecture and statues in the ancient world that you can't even assess as true or false). It's more of the philosophical / semiotic meaning of an animal that does not fit into any category than a historical account. Though if I recall, it includes LOTS of history, including the primary source letters that the discoverers wrote back and forth to eachother. Whic read like an Instant Message -- "OMG!!1! It lays eggs!!111"

By: R. Mutt

R. Mutt — Fri, 15 Jul 2005 18:53:02 -0800

I just found the Eco book in NYC's East Village, and already have had a laugh at a wonderful quote: ,"I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not sure."

I also found the Ann Moyal book in Union Square. Its a perfect overview of the story. Tomorrow I'll look for the other books at the Strand. All of this is exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks for your help. (You guys are great.)

By: dejah420

dejah420 — Fri, 15 Jul 2005 22:00:01 -0800

Also, Terry Pratchett in The Lost Continent, had the best explanation of where they came from that I've ever read. ;)

By: gemmy

gemmy — Fri, 15 Jul 2005 23:03:02 -0800

Stephen J. Gould, in his book "Bully for Brontosaurus" has a chapter called "To be a Platypus", which covers the history of the discovery along with the normal Gould evolutionary biology discussion.