Matter of Fact: Biographies of Zoological Specimens

Abstract

<p>"The Mandible of a Horse Grown in a Treeroot" and "Lupus Marinus" are zoological specimens that have traveled from collection to collection during their 300-year-long existence as objects of inquiry and display. They began their lives under the inquisitive eye of Ole Worm, but have led very different lives since—the Mandible has been rediscovered as a historical specimen after it was discarded as a zoological one, whereas "Lupus Marinus" has reincarnated under several species denominations and material bodies.</p><p>Specimens began to be collected to be used in the production of scientific knowledge during the late Renaissance; they have since been seen as the vessels that carry the truth or fact of nature to the reach of the scientist. Under the scientist's gaze, the specimen is then studied with proper methods and instruments to reveal the secrets of nature it is seen to be in position to disclose. The biographies of these specimens are studied here in a preliminary effort to understand how specimens are used in a collection environment, how and why they are used in the production of knowledge and how these functions of the specimen may change over time.</p>