An introduction to the study of fishesGünther, Albert C. L. G. (Albert Carl Ludwig Gotthilf)
Science
An introduction to the study of fishes
Günther, Albert C. L. G. (Albert Carl Ludwig Gotthilf)
Fishes; Ichthyology
_F._ Oviparous Cetaceans, with spines instead of bones (=
large marine fishes, like the Thunny, Sword-fish,
Sciænoids, Bass, Gadoids, Trachypterus).
II. Spinous Oviparous fishes of a flat form (= Pleuronectidæ).
III. Fishes of a high form, like Zeus.
IV. Fishes of a snake like form (= Eels, Belone, Sphyræna).
V. Small Oviparous, spinous, scaly, marine fishes.
1. Pelagic kinds.
2. Littoral kinds.
3. Kinds inhabiting rocky localities.
VI. Fluviatile and Lacustrine fishes.
* * * * *
[Sidenote: Salviani.]
The work of the Roman ichthyologist, H. SALVIANI (1514–72),
is characteristic of the high social position which the author held
as the physician of three popes. Its title is “Aquatilium animalium
historia” (Rom. 1554–57, fol.) It treats exclusively of the fishes of
Italy. Ninety-two species are figured on seventy-six plates which, as
regards artistic execution, are masterpieces of that period, although
those specific characteristics which nowadays constitute the value
of a zoological drawing, were entirely overlooked by the author or
artist. No attempt is made at a natural classification, but the allied
forms generally are placed in close proximity. The descriptions are
quite equal to those given by Belon, entering much into the details of
the economy and usefulness of the several species, and were evidently
composed with the view of collecting in a readable form all that might
prove of interest to the class of society in which the author moved.
Salviani’s work is of a high standard, most remarkable for the age in
which he lived. It could not fail to convey valuable instruction, and
to render Ichthyology popular in the country to the fauna of which it
was devoted, but it would not have advanced Ichthyology as science
generally; and in this respect Salviani is not to be compared with
Rondelet or Belon.
* * * * *
[Sidenote: Rondelet.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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