Barnacles in Nature and in Myth

von Edward Heron Allen

218 Seiten, Hardcover

Kurzbeschreibung des Verlags

"Barnacles in Nature and in Myth" is a scholarly and engaging investigation into one of the most persistent and curious legends in the history of natural science. Written by the polymath Edward Heron Allen, this work explores the bizarre medieval belief that the Barnacle Goose emerged fully formed from the shells of marine crustaceans attached to driftwood, rather than being hatched from eggs.Allen skillfully navigates the boundary between zoology and folklore, providing a comprehensive historical account of how this myth originated and survived for centuries. The book examines the observations of early naturalists, travelers, and theologians who sought to explain the mysterious migratory patterns of birds through the lens of spontaneous generation. Beyond the myth itself, the author provides detailed scientific insights into the biology of barnacles, bridging the gap between rigorous scientific inquiry and the rich tapestry of human imagination.A vital resource for those interested in marine biology, cultural history, and mythology, "Barnacles in Nature and in Myth" remains a definitive study of how observation and superstition can intertwine to shape our understanding of the natural world.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.