vindication

[jinian]

I'm reading Bully for Brontosaurus by Mr. Nifty Cool Stephen Jay Gould. I had guessed from the title that he preferred "brontosaurus" to "apatosaurus" as I do, but he also has this to say:

Anyone could have applied to the commission for suppression of Apatosaurus under the plenary powers in recognition of the widespread popularity and stbility of Brontosaurus. I suspect that such an application would have succeeded. But no one bothered, and a good name remains in limbo. (I also wish that someone had fought for suppression of the unattractive and inappropriate name Hyracotherium in favor of the lovely but later Eohippus, also coined by Marsh. But again, no one did.)

I have always thought that the name Eohippus was vastly preferable to Hyracotherium, and now I find that Professor Gould agrees with me. I am --> smug.

Comments

Geeks make me hot.

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

'nuff said.

[jenett]

I agree with you too, though I don't know what effect this will have on your smugness.

-Gwynyth, horse-geek perpetual.