Platypus by Ann Moyal
When the first specimen of a platypus arrived in England in 1799, it was greeted with astonishment and disbelief. What was this strange creature from the new colony of Australia? It defied rational explanation, with its webbed feet and duck's beak attached to what seemed to be a mammal's body - surely it was a hoax on the part of those cheeky new colonials? As 18th-century naturalists struggled to classify the platypus, the little animal excited curiosity and sparked fierce debate in international scientific circles, drawing in leaders of zoology and comparative anatomy in Britain and Europe. This is the enigmatic story of a biological riddle that confounded scientists for nearly 90 years, challenging theories of creationism, evolution and the classification of species along the way. Secretive, elusive and beguiling, the platypus has continued to captivate public and scientific attention to the present day.
'a spectacularly wonderful book' Robyn Williams, 2001'In this remote part of the earth, Nature (having made horses, oxen, ducks, geese, oaks, elms, and all regular productions for the rest of the world) seems determined to have a bit of a play, and to amuse herself as she pleases.' Rev Sydney Smith, Sydney, 1819. 'A disbeliever in everything beyond his own reason, might exclaim, Surely two distinct creators must have been at work.' Charles Darwin, 1836.
Ann Moyal is a well-known historian of Australian science and has held research and teaching positions at a number of Australian universities. She has written many books and articles and is founder and past-president of the Independent Scholars Association of Australia. She now lives in Canberra.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781865088044 |
| ISBN 10 | 1865088048 |
| Title | Platypus |
| Author | Ann Moyal |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Allen & Unwin |
| Year published | 2002-04-01 |
| Number of pages | 240 |
| Prizes | Winner of Whitley Awards 2001 (Australia), Short-listed for Best Historical Zoology book 2001 (Australia), Short-listed for Centre for Australian Cultural Studies Award 2001 (Australia) |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |