[Nhcoll-l] Why retain physical specimens

[Peter A Rauch]

[slight sarcasm ON]
Because Science has repeatedly demonstrated that the physical specimens had
more , and very important, information to yield up when newer technologies,
or even new eyes, were brought to bear on the questions which gave rise to
the collection, preservation and study of those specimens?

And because even the biological  / evolutionary / ecological questions
asked of those physical specimens have accumulated over time --new
questions for which only the physical specimens can provide data?

"... once it has been digitized (e.g., CT-scanned, photographed, x-rayed,
etc.)"

Etc.????   I don't have one of those tools. What does it reveal about my
specimens? Can I retain my specimens until I can etcetera them? I have
xrayed four hundred of my specimens; as soon as I xray the other 1.56
million specimens, I will ......

I've read that book. Burn it. If you want to know what it said, read my and
my colleagues'  book reviews.
[slight sarcasm OFF]

In other words, I think the answers to your collection visitor questions
are easy to answer; questions from institution administrators may be a bit
more difficult to respond to --those questions are often not based on the
Science of the Thing, and therefore can be rationalized on whatever
administrative / bureaucratic / institutional basis / relative criteria
that fit their momentary need.

Peter

On Thu, Sep 26, 2019 at 11:02 AM Sarah K. Huber <skhuber at vims.edu> wrote:

> Recently I’ve been fielding a lot of questions about why our collection
> should retain a physical specimen once it has been digitized (e.g.,
> CT-scanned, photographed, x-rayed, etc.). I’m curious how often other
> museum professionals are asked this question and what your general
> responses are for justifying the retention of a physical specimen. Why do
> you tell people it’s important to retain a specimen?
>
>
>
> If anyone knows of article that have addressed this specific question I
> would appreciate references so that I can have them on hand for
> particularly curious visitors.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Sarah
>
>
>
> Sarah K. Huber, Ph.D.
> Curatorial Associate, VIMS Nunnally Ichthyology Collection
> Office 804.684.7104 | Collection 804.684.7285
> skhuber at vims.edu |
> http://www.vims.edu/research/facilities/fishcollection/index.php
> PO Box 1346 | 1370 Greate Rd., Gloucester Pt., VA 23062
>
>
>
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