The Digital Ark: Early Modern Collections of Curiosities in England and Scotland, 1580-1700
The Tradescant Dodo
Secondary Title (i.e. Proceedings Title): Periodical Title:Archives of Natural History Publication Type:Journal Article Authors:Ovenell,R. F.Editors: Publisher: Place of Publication: Publication Date:1992 Alternate Date (i.e. Conference Date): Volume:19 Issue:2 Start Page:145 End Page:152 Abstract:Discusses the history of the museum specimen of the Tradescant Dodo (now only a head and a foot) in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, and the myths that have surrounded its fate. Probably the earliest documented museum specimen, it first appeared in 1656 in John Tradescant's Collection of Rarities. A label in its case record notes that in 1755 it was ordered to be destroyed by the vice-chancellor and the trustees. Accounts of its burning, however, are incomplete. There is no evidence of burns on the remains; it appears that there was no act of destruction, but rather an attempt to preserve as much as possible. The Ashmolean's collection was redistributed in the 19th century and its achievements in preservation before that date were comparable to other institutions. Evidence suggests that the inference of culpable neglect raised by the myth of the fate of the Tradescant Dodo should now be questioned. [C. A. Fitzgerald]
Descriptors/Keywords:Preservation
Oxford University (Ashmolean Museum)
Ornithology
Exhibits and Expositions
Dodo
ISBN:02609541 URL:http://search.ebscohost.com.cyber.usask.ca/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hia&AN=H001474375.01&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live
Documents in Print Item: No Documents Listed in Print Item Attached People: No People Attached To This Print Item Location(s): No Locations Attached To This
Bibliographic Source(s): No Bibliographic Sources Attached To This Item
Items Which List This As A Bibliographic Source: None Images Contained: No Images Attached To This Item
Objects Contained: No Objects Attached To This Item
Annotation: