Homo sapiens and illustrations as types

Michael.Chamberland 23274MJC at MSU.EDU
Tue Jan 2 23:29:00 CST 1996


Perhaps one of the early illustrations of Adam and Eve might serve as the
lectotype for Homo sapiens?  Surely Linnaeus had in his possession a book
illustrating such a scene.  Who could ask for a better illustration!
It depicts both sexes at the time of their emergence as species, and in
their natural habitat!  :-)

On the other hand, if Linnaeus' remains are not available, did he perhaps
have a portrait of himself?  If he considered the artist to have created
a good likeness, would this be sufficient to validate it as an illustration
of Homo sapiens?

Michael Chamberland




More information about the Taxacom mailing list