Reading #2 Flashcards
How is the term “savants” used in the reading?
To denote someone who is an expert in a variety of pursuits, including but not limited to science. Also, a savant may or may not earn money for this work.
Which government came to exist in France at the end of the revolution which was more tolerant of science than previous regimes?
The Directory.
Who was George Cuvier?
A paleontologist and comparative anatomist.
Why was it advantageous for Cuvier to arrive in Paris immediately following the French revolution?
During the revolution the system of patronage ,whereby scientists gain favour with an influential person who then funds their work, was disrupted. This gave opportunities for newcomers to the field.
How did Cuvier first become associated with the National Museum of Natural History?
By becoming the understudy of Mertrud, the professor of animal anatomy at the time.
Why was the Institut National (National Institute) established by the Directory?
To bring together the branches of science and repair the damage done by the French revolution.
What are the 3 “classes” covered by the Institut National (National Institute)?
- Mathematics and natural sciences
- Social sciences
- Humanities
How did Cuvier’s scientific work get divided between the National Museum of Natural History and the National Institute?
He did his research at the Museum, and showed off his scientific results at the Institute.
How did Cuvier’s research in comparative anatomy begin? How did it evolve once he began to work at the National Museum of Natural History?
He started work on marine invertebrates, but quickly moved on to vertebrates and then mammals.
What 2 possible explanations are given for the anomalous geographical position of large mammal fossil bones at Northern latitudes?
- The Earth was warm. But now, it’s cold. These things used to live there when it wasn’t cold.
- It’s always been cold. These animals were adapted to the cold but died for some other reason.
Which of Cuvier’s colleagues proposed the overarching “theory of the earth”, suggesting an earth which had been warmer but now was cooling off?
George Louis Leclerc, count de Buffon (what a title).
Why did Cuvier have an advantage over his older colleagues when it came to conducting research on fossils from Northern latitudes?
The French revolution resulted in the large natural history collection of the former ruler of the Netherlands being brought to Paris. Cuvier used this as evidence to support his theories.
What conclusion did Cuvier arrive at regarding the fossils found in Northern latitudes and the modern large mammals?
That they came from separate species, and that the Northern species no longer existed.
What tone did Cluvier adopt when presenting his research on the fossils found in Northern latitudes?
He was an arrogant son-of-a-bitch.
Who was Etienne Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire?
A younger colleague of Cuvier’s. The professor of zoology at the National Museum of Natural History.
