1812 Jeffersons Megalonyx by Cuvier
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1812 Jeffersons Megalonyx by Cuvier
Plate by Laurillard engraved by Couet together with french Text On the Megalonix, both pages from Cuviers 1812 " Ossamens Fossiles". Thomas Jefferson (the American founding father and President) made his chief contribution to science in describing (1797) the first fossil of the giant ground sloth Megalonyx jeffersonii from West Virginia. Megalonyx means " giant claw" (Fig 1. here). Cuvier credited the discovery to Jefferson and produced this illustration. French naturalist Buffon had earlier been dismissive of the American fauna as feeble, and Jefferson was happy to disprove it. Meglonyx followed the 1789 discovery, in Paraguay, of a near relative, Megatherium. Joseph Leidy produced the most complete description of Megalonyx jeffersonii in his 1855 monograph. Jefferson also described the first American Mastodon which Cuvier featured
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6319117
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Black And White Cuvier Extinct Extinction Fossil Giant Ground Sloth Mega Fauna Megatherium Pleistocene South America Mono Chrome Palaeontology Thomas Jefferson
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the historical significance of Thomas Jefferson's contribution to science. In 1797, Jefferson described the first fossil of the giant ground sloth Megalonyx jeffersonii from West Virginia, earning him a place in paleontological history. The name "Megalonyx" itself translates to "giant claw" as depicted in Figure 1 of this artwork. The illustration featured here is an engraving by Couet, based on Laurillard's plate, both taken from Cuvier's renowned 1812 publication "Ossamens Fossiles". It was Cuvier who credited Jefferson for his discovery and produced this stunning visual representation. This particular find held great importance for Jefferson as it served to disprove French naturalist Buffon's dismissive claims about feeble American fauna. Interestingly, Megalonyx followed the discovery of its near relative Megatherium in Paraguay back in 1789. Joseph Leidy later provided a comprehensive description of Megalonyx jeffersonii in his monograph published in 1855. Paul D. Stewart has beautifully captured this piece of scientific history through his artistry and attention to detail. This monochrome print not only highlights the extinct Pleistocene species but also pays homage to Thomas Jefferson's significant contributions to paleontology alongside other notable figures like Cuvier and Leidy.
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