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
Cobitis.
Amia.
Silurus.
Teuthis.
Loricaria.
Salmo.
Fistularia.
Esox.
Elops.
Argentina.
Atherina.
Mugil.
Mormyrus.
Exocœtus.
Polynemus.
Clupea.
Cyprinus.
[Sidenote: Gronow and Klein.]
Two contemporaries of _Linnæus_ attempted a systematic arrangement
of fishes; both had considerable opportunities for their study,
especially in possessing extensive collections; but neither exercised
any influence on the progress of Ichthyology. The one, L. T. GRONOW,
a German who resided in Holland, closely followed the arrangements
proposed by Artedi and Linnæus, and increased the number of genera and
species from the contents of his own museum. He published two works,
“Museum Ichthyologicum” (Lugd. 1754–6, fol.), and “Zoophylacium” (Lugd.
1763–81, fol.); a posthumous work, containing numerous excellent
descriptions of new forms was published by J. E. Gray in 1854 under the
title of “Systema Ichthyologicum.” To Gronow also is due the invention
of preparing flat skins of fishes in a dry state, and preserving them
in the manner of a herbarium. The specimens thus prepared by him belong
to the oldest which have been preserved down to our time.
Much less important are the ichthyological labours of J. T. KLEIN
(1685–1759). They are embodied in five parts (_Missus_) of a work
entitled “Historia naturalis piscium” (Sedæ, 1740–9, 4to.) He regarded
a system merely as the means of recognising the various forms of
animals, not as the expression of their natural affinities; and that
method seemed to him to be the most perfect by which an animal could
be most readily determined. He eschewed all reference to minute or
anatomical characters. Hence his system is a series of the most
unnatural combinations, and we cannot be surprised that Linnæus passed
in silence over Klein’s labours.
* * * * *
[Sidenote: Pupils and Successors of Linnæus]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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