Geological Collections Research Articles

Collections, Images and form in Sixteenth‐Century Natural History: The Case of Conrad Gessner

The essay examines the function and the meaning of documentary images by examining the geological image collection of the Swiss natural philosopher Conrad Gessner. Gessner’s interest in pictorial documentation can only be understood in the context of his special interest in the formal aspects of nature. His approach marked a turning point in the history of natural philosophy and would be unthinkable without the pictorial techniques used to collect and document the objects of his research. By reconsidering philosophical definitions of form and matter, he set geoscience on a new philosophical foundation. This reorientation is closely connected to the metaphysics of nature. Both aspects were essential to the establishment of a new scientific approach, in which the old epistemological technique of studying texts was coupled to a new source of knowledge: the study of images.

Echinoderm (Echinodermata) diversity in the Pacific coast of Central America

We present a systematic list of the echinoderms of Central America Pacific coast and offshore island, based on specimens of the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., the Invertebrate Zoology and Geology collections of the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, the Museo de Zoologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose and published accounts. A total of 287 echinoderm species are recorded, distributed in 162 genera, 73 families and 28 orders. Ophiuroidea (85) and Holothuroidea (68) are the most diverse classes, while Panama (253 species) and Costa Rica (107 species) have the highest species richness. Honduras and Guatemala show the highest species similarity, also being less rich. Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador y Nicaragua are represented by the most common nearshore species. Due to their coastal heterogeneity, Costa Rica and Panama are the richest places, with Panama also being the place where more research has been done. The current composition of echinoderms is the result of the sampling effort made in each country, recent political history and the coastal heterogeneity.

KE EMu and the Future for Natural History Collections

This paper describes the current status and the future outlook for KE EMu, a system for museum collection documentation and management that is capable of monitoring collections and exporting data to websites. Although KE EMu is a collections management system for all museums and collections, it has great potential for natural history collections, especially geological collections that have been relatively neglected. KE EMu Software has been active in supporting efforts to standardize documentation, encompassing all kinds of information (e.g., images, bibliography, exhibition history) that are associated with the item and its management.

A Work in Progress Development of United States National Park Service Museum Collection Significance Evaluation Criteria

This article describes the National Park Service's (NPS) progress in an ongoing effort to develop museum collection significance criteria for its geology, paleontology, biology, archeology, ethnography/ethnology, history, and archival collections. The goal is to create sets of significance criteria that are practical, flexible, recognize the associative value of the NPS's collections, and provide continuity and context for the stewardship of collections over time. Effective significance criteria will increase the intellectual understanding of collections; inform and record collection acquisition and deaccession; and assist in management decisions related to collections. This is an immense undertaking complicated by differences among disciplines and a large geographic scope. The significance criteria effort requires agency support through a national staff coordinator and funding for the final development and implementation phases.

‘Our favourite science’: Lord Bute and James Parkinson searching for a Theory of the Earth

Abstract John Stuart, the third earl of Bute and the British Prime Minister from 1762 to 1763, and the apothecary surgeon James Parkinson both amassed large and important geological collections; both believed in the biblical Deluge; both admired the work of Jean André de Luc; and both were fascinated by the study of geology. Each sought a theory that would explain the geological phenomena they observed but which also allowed them to maintain their religious integrity. They were men of their time, struggling to come to terms with a new science that challenged their strongly held religious beliefs. Bute's Observations on the Natural History of the Earth , never published, provides us with a snapshot of his thinking about prevailing theories of the Earth. He dismissed all except those that fitted the geological facts as understood at the time, but was nevertheless unable to progress from a rigid belief in the biblical Flood having been a miracle. Parkinson's Organic Remains of a Former World reveals a man fully conversant with contemporary geological ideas being propounded elsewhere in Europe. Also highly religious, Parkinson oscillated between his deeply held beliefs and the contradictory evidence provided by the fossils he held in his hand.

In from the cold: an overview of the British Antarctic Survey fossil collections

The British Antarctic Survey is the custodian of more than 57,000 Antarctic fossils, of which some 2,500 are Type & Figured specimens. In addition to these, the geological collections include over 100,000 rock and mineral specimens representing all the main lithologies. Gathered over the last 60 years, the collections form an invaluable taxonomic and lithographic resource for the study of biodiversity, environmental change and planetary evolution. Methods of analysis are constantly being refined and up-dated so the collection needs to be effectively managed, stored and recorded if it is to continue to function as an investigative resource. Good curation is especially important given the high cost, in both time and money, of collecting specimens from such a remote and hostile environment. For the most part, the material is well documented but more curatorial time needs to be spent on the specimens if they are not to deteriorate through contamination or neglect.

Equinodermos (Echinodermata) del Caribe Centroamericano

Echinoderms (Echinodermata) from Central America Caribbean. We present a systematic list of the echinoderms from the Central American Caribbean, including the archipelago of San Andres, based on specimens deposited at the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., the Invertebrate Zoology and Geology collections of the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, the Museo de Zoologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica, the literature and internet. A total of 253 echinoderm species are recorded, distributed in 142 genera, 63 families and 27 orders. Ophiuroidea (79 species) and Asteroidea (56 species) are the most diverse classes. Panama (154 species) and Belize (131 species) have the highest reported echinoderm diversities. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (Suppl. 3): 37-55. Epub 2009 January 05.

The Geological Curators' Group - the first 34 years....!

What were the initial aims, hopes and aspirations of the Geological Curators' Group? Over its 34 year history it has endured many highs and lows, and has undoubtedly played a large part in the salvation of many geological collections and curatorial jobs. But its success in some areas has been balanced with failure in others. This revisit of the last 34 years may serve to remind the group of what it has achieved, and the progress that has been made by the profession as a whole. It may also serve as a historical record of the meetings and trips held, publications produced, and the many committee members who served over the years. Long may it continue!

Poetry rocks! Developing simple creative writing activities using geological collections

How can we use the rocks and fossils in our handling collections to engage visitors without feeling under pressure to recite facts and figures? Good object based learning uses questioning and observations to tease out the story of an object, but without teaching labs or interactive experiments it can be difficult to make rocks exciting as objects in their scientific context because the processes that form and shape them are so abstract. So why not use them in other ways? Outlined here is an example of an activity used at the Sedgwick Museum with many different audiences to focus rock handling sessions and use them to help participants to develop skills of observation and description, as well as producing a piece of original poetry.

Ideas and evidence at the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences: new resources for secondary science

Developing new learning resources for schools can be a good way of attracting visits, building new partnerships and sharing skills and expertise among museum staff. How can we make sure that geological collections are fully utilised for all of the learning opportunities that they offer? A project at the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences has identified a target audience and through collaborative work with teachers and a consultant has produced a new pack of resources and activities to engage secondary school pupils with earth sciences in the context of Ideas and Evidence.

Foundations of the method of dating global fluctuations of abundance of oceanic sharks on the basis of the amount of fossil teeth in bottom sediments

A method for dating fluctuations in abundance of Elasmobranchii based on three parameters: density of fossil teeth on the ocean floor, density of modern species, and the rate of teeth replacement in modern species is proposed. As a model event, the substitution by the blue shark Prionace glauca of sharks of the genus Isurus that dominated from the Pliocene to the Late Holocene was used. It was determined that, at various values of the aforementioned parameters, the blue shark occupied a dominant position in the eastern Pacific between 302 and 3940 years ago. It is suggested that, in case of a large amount of material in geological collections using this method, a great number of paleoreconstructions of the development and changes in the oceanic biota may be carried out.

The state and status of geological collections in United Kingdom museums: 2001. Part 11. Assessment of findings

The Geological Curators’ Group, established in 1974, undertook a survey in 1981 investigating the “State and Status of Geology in United Kingdom Museums”. This survey, the first of its kind, set out to provide a snap-shot impression of how the nation’s geological collections were cared for, regarded, used and housed. It allowed the Geological Curators’ Group to focus its members’ efforts, influencing, where possible, policy decisions regarding the future of many “at risk” collections and assisting museums in need to specialist curatorial advice. In 2001 it was felt that more than enough time had elapsed since the original survey, and that there was a need to repeat the process, explore other areas of museum management, care and use of collections and compare, where able, the results from the two surveys 20 years apart. With access to new funding opportunities, museums have expanded and in some cases changed beyond all recognition. More funding appears to be available to all, but with 45% of respondees listing lack of staff time or expertise as their biggest “threat”, will the “new” curators or collection managers be able to dedicate the resources to chasing these elusive funding streams and proving that they are meeting targets and performance indicators whilst maintaining often historically and scientifically important collections? The United Kingdom has a unique history in the field of geological curation and collections, with many museums holding collections and specimens of un-recognised scientific and historical value. Should the heritage and culture community feel confidence in their continued care? What problems do we, the curators, perceive with the current “State and Status” of the collections we hold in trust? The “State and Status of Geological Collections in United Kingdom Museums: 2001” report provides another “snap-shot” of the UK’s collections and explores how the position of these collections has changed in 20 years.

The state and status of geological collections in United Kingdom museums: 2001. Part 4. Storage

The Geological Curators’ Group, established in 1974, undertook a survey in 1981 investigating the “State and Status of Geology in United Kingdom Museums”. This survey, the first of its kind, set out to provide a snap-shot impression of how the nation’s geological collections were cared for, regarded, used and housed. It allowed the Geological Curators’ Group to focus its members’ efforts, influencing, where possible, policy decisions regarding the future of many “at risk” collections and assisting museums in need to specialist curatorial advice. In 2001 it was felt that more than enough time had elapsed since the original survey, and that there was a need to repeat the process, explore other areas of museum management, care and use of collections and compare, where able, the results from the two surveys 20 years apart. With access to new funding opportunities, museums have expanded and in some cases changed beyond all recognition. More funding appears to be available to all, but with 45% of respondees listing lack of staff time or expertise as their biggest “threat”, will the “new” curators or collection managers be able to dedicate the resources to chasing these elusive funding streams and proving that they are meeting targets and performance indicators whilst maintaining often historically and scientifically important collections? The United Kingdom has a unique history in the field of geological curation and collections, with many museums holding collections and specimens of un-recognised scientific and historical value. Should the heritage and culture community feel confidence in their continued care? What problems do we, the curators, perceive with the current “State and Status” of the collections we hold in trust? The “State and Status of Geological Collections in United Kingdom Museums: 2001” report provides another “snap-shot” of the UK’s collections and explores how the position of these collections has changed in 20 years.

The state and status of geological collections in United Kingdom museums: 2001. Part 12. Recommendations and further investigations

The Geological Curators’ Group, established in 1974, undertook a survey in 1981 investigating the “State and Status of Geology in United Kingdom Museums”. This survey, the first of its kind, set out to provide a snap-shot impression of how the nation’s geological collections were cared for, regarded, used and housed. It allowed the Geological Curators’ Group to focus its members’ efforts, influencing, where possible, policy decisions regarding the future of many “at risk” collections and assisting museums in need to specialist curatorial advice. In 2001 it was felt that more than enough time had elapsed since the original survey, and that there was a need to repeat the process, explore other areas of museum management, care and use of collections and compare, where able, the results from the two surveys 20 years apart. With access to new funding opportunities, museums have expanded and in some cases changed beyond all recognition. More funding appears to be available to all, but with 45% of respondees listing lack of staff time or expertise as their biggest “threat”, will the “new” curators or collection managers be able to dedicate the resources to chasing these elusive funding streams and proving that they are meeting targets and performance indicators whilst maintaining often historically and scientifically important collections? The United Kingdom has a unique history in the field of geological curation and collections, with many museums holding collections and specimens of un-recognised scientific and historical value. Should the heritage and culture community feel confidence in their continued care? What problems do we, the curators, perceive with the current “State and Status” of the collections we hold in trust? The “State and Status of Geological Collections in United Kingdom Museums: 2001” report provides another “snap-shot” of the UK’s collections and explores how the position of these collections has changed in 20 years.

The state and status of geological collections in United Kingdom museums: 2001. Part 8. Services

The Geological Curators’ Group, established in 1974, undertook a survey in 1981 investigating the “State and Status of Geology in United Kingdom Museums”. This survey, the first of its kind, set out to provide a snap-shot impression of how the nation’s geological collections were cared for, regarded, used and housed. It allowed the Geological Curators’ Group to focus its members’ efforts, influencing, where possible, policy decisions regarding the future of many “at risk” collections and assisting museums in need to specialist curatorial advice. In 2001 it was felt that more than enough time had elapsed since the original survey, and that there was a need to repeat the process, explore other areas of museum management, care and use of collections and compare, where able, the results from the two surveys 20 years apart. With access to new funding opportunities, museums have expanded and in some cases changed beyond all recognition. More funding appears to be available to all, but with 45% of respondees listing lack of staff time or expertise as their biggest “threat”, will the “new” curators or collection managers be able to dedicate the resources to chasing these elusive funding streams and proving that they are meeting targets and performance indicators whilst maintaining often historically and scientifically important collections? The United Kingdom has a unique history in the field of geological curation and collections, with many museums holding collections and specimens of un-recognised scientific and historical value. Should the heritage and culture community feel confidence in their continued care? What problems do we, the curators, perceive with the current “State and Status” of the collections we hold in trust? The “State and Status of Geological Collections in United Kingdom Museums: 2001” report provides another “snap-shot” of the UK’s collections and explores how the position of these collections has changed in 20 years.

The state and status of geological collections in United Kingdom museums: 2001. Part 7. Personnel and management

The Geological Curators’ Group, established in 1974, undertook a survey in 1981 investigating the “State and Status of Geology in United Kingdom Museums”. This survey, the first of its kind, set out to provide a snap-shot impression of how the nation’s geological collections were cared for, regarded, used and housed. It allowed the Geological Curators’ Group to focus its members’ efforts, influencing, where possible, policy decisions regarding the future of many “at risk” collections and assisting museums in need to specialist curatorial advice. In 2001 it was felt that more than enough time had elapsed since the original survey, and that there was a need to repeat the process, explore other areas of museum management, care and use of collections and compare, where able, the results from the two surveys 20 years apart. With access to new funding opportunities, museums have expanded and in some cases changed beyond all recognition. More funding appears to be available to all, but with 45% of respondees listing lack of staff time or expertise as their biggest “threat”, will the “new” curators or collection managers be able to dedicate the resources to chasing these elusive funding streams and proving that they are meeting targets and performance indicators whilst maintaining often historically and scientifically important collections? The United Kingdom has a unique history in the field of geological curation and collections, with many museums holding collections and specimens of un-recognised scientific and historical value. Should the heritage and culture community feel confidence in their continued care? What problems do we, the curators, perceive with the current “State and Status” of the collections we hold in trust? The “State and Status of Geological Collections in United Kingdom Museums: 2001” report provides another “snap-shot” of the UK’s collections and explores how the position of these collections has changed in 20 years.

The state and status of geological collections in United Kingdom museums: 2001. Part 2. Nature of the collections

The Geological Curators’ Group, established in 1974, undertook a survey in 1981 investigating the “State and Status of Geology in United Kingdom Museums”. This survey, the first of its kind, set out to provide a snap-shot impression of how the nation’s geological collections were cared for, regarded, used and housed. It allowed the Geological Curators’ Group to focus its members’ efforts, influencing, where possible, policy decisions regarding the future of many “at risk” collections and assisting museums in need to specialist curatorial advice. In 2001 it was felt that more than enough time had elapsed since the original survey, and that there was a need to repeat the process, explore other areas of museum management, care and use of collections and compare, where able, the results from the two surveys 20 years apart. With access to new funding opportunities, museums have expanded and in some cases changed beyond all recognition. More funding appears to be available to all, but with 45% of respondees listing lack of staff time or expertise as their biggest “threat”, will the “new” curators or collection managers be able to dedicate the resources to chasing these elusive funding streams and proving that they are meeting targets and performance indicators whilst maintaining often historically and scientifically important collections? The United Kingdom has a unique history in the field of geological curation and collections, with many museums holding collections and specimens of un-recognised scientific and historical value. Should the heritage and culture community feel confidence in their continued care? What problems do we, the curators, perceive with the current “State and Status” of the collections we hold in trust? The “State and Status of Geological Collections in United Kingdom Museums: 2001” report provides another “snap-shot” of the UK’s collections and explores how the position of these collections has changed in 20 years.

The state and status of geological collections in United Kingdom museums: 2001. Part 10. National Museums

The Geological Curators’ Group, established in 1974, undertook a survey in 1981 investigating the “State and Status of Geology in United Kingdom Museums”. This survey, the first of its kind, set out to provide a snap-shot impression of how the nation’s geological collections were cared for, regarded, used and housed. It allowed the Geological Curators’ Group to focus its members’ efforts, influencing, where possible, policy decisions regarding the future of many “at risk” collections and assisting museums in need to specialist curatorial advice. In 2001 it was felt that more than enough time had elapsed since the original survey, and that there was a need to repeat the process, explore other areas of museum management, care and use of collections and compare, where able, the results from the two surveys 20 years apart. With access to new funding opportunities, museums have expanded and in some cases changed beyond all recognition. More funding appears to be available to all, but with 45% of respondees listing lack of staff time or expertise as their biggest “threat”, will the “new” curators or collection managers be able to dedicate the resources to chasing these elusive funding streams and proving that they are meeting targets and performance indicators whilst maintaining often historically and scientifically important collections? The United Kingdom has a unique history in the field of geological curation and collections, with many museums holding collections and specimens of un-recognised scientific and historical value. Should the heritage and culture community feel confidence in their continued care? What problems do we, the curators, perceive with the current “State and Status” of the collections we hold in trust? The “State and Status of Geological Collections in United Kingdom Museums: 2001” report provides another “snap-shot” of the UK’s collections and explores how the position of these collections has changed in 20 years.

The state and status of geological collections in United Kingdom museums: 2001. Part 5. Environmental Conditions

The Geological Curators’ Group, established in 1974, undertook a survey in 1981 investigating the “State and Status of Geology in United Kingdom Museums”. This survey, the first of its kind, set out to provide a snap-shot impression of how the nation’s geological collections were cared for, regarded, used and housed. It allowed the Geological Curators’ Group to focus its members’ efforts, influencing, where possible, policy decisions regarding the future of many “at risk” collections and assisting museums in need to specialist curatorial advice. In 2001 it was felt that more than enough time had elapsed since the original survey, and that there was a need to repeat the process, explore other areas of museum management, care and use of collections and compare, where able, the results from the two surveys 20 years apart. With access to new funding opportunities, museums have expanded and in some cases changed beyond all recognition. More funding appears to be available to all, but with 45% of respondees listing lack of staff time or expertise as their biggest “threat”, will the “new” curators or collection managers be able to dedicate the resources to chasing these elusive funding streams and proving that they are meeting targets and performance indicators whilst maintaining often historically and scientifically important collections? The United Kingdom has a unique history in the field of geological curation and collections, with many museums holding collections and specimens of un-recognised scientific and historical value. Should the heritage and culture community feel confidence in their continued care? What problems do we, the curators, perceive with the current “State and Status” of the collections we hold in trust? The “State and Status of Geological Collections in United Kingdom Museums: 2001” report provides another “snap-shot” of the UK’s collections and explores how the position of these collections has changed in 20 years.

The state and status of geological collections in United Kingdom museums: 2001. Part 3. Documentation

The Geological Curators’ Group, established in 1974, undertook a survey in 1981 investigating the “State and Status of Geology in United Kingdom Museums”. This survey, the first of its kind, set out to provide a snap-shot impression of how the nation’s geological collections were cared for, regarded, used and housed. It allowed the Geological Curators’ Group to focus its members’ efforts, influencing, where possible, policy decisions regarding the future of many “at risk” collections and assisting museums in need to specialist curatorial advice. In 2001 it was felt that more than enough time had elapsed since the original survey, and that there was a need to repeat the process, explore other areas of museum management, care and use of collections and compare, where able, the results from the two surveys 20 years apart. With access to new funding opportunities, museums have expanded and in some cases changed beyond all recognition. More funding appears to be available to all, but with 45% of respondees listing lack of staff time or expertise as their biggest “threat”, will the “new” curators or collection managers be able to dedicate the resources to chasing these elusive funding streams and proving that they are meeting targets and performance indicators whilst maintaining often historically and scientifically important collections? The United Kingdom has a unique history in the field of geological curation and collections, with many museums holding collections and specimens of un-recognised scientific and historical value. Should the heritage and culture community feel confidence in their continued care? What problems do we, the curators, perceive with the current “State and Status” of the collections we hold in trust? The “State and Status of Geological Collections in United Kingdom Museums: 2001” report provides another “snap-shot” of the UK’s collections and explores how the position of these collections has changed in 20 years.