[Nhcoll-l] Why retain physical specimens

[Ososky, John]

This is a dramatic recent example from our collection that illustrates the point:

https://ocean.si.edu/museum/story-stashed-whale-baleen


John J. Ososky
Museum Specialist, Division of Mammals
National Museum of Natural History
Museum Support Center
4210 Silver Hill Road
Suitland, MD 20746
301-238-1157
ososkyj at si.edu<mailto:ososkyj at si.edu>

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) complies with all U.S. export and sanctions laws, as well as fish, wildlife and other regulations applicable to the importation and exportation of specimens and research materials.  Please consider the country of origin and nature of any specimen, sample, object or material shipped to NMNH, and if applicable, ensure that it is properly licensed and otherwise compliant with U.S. law prior to shipment



From: Nhcoll-l <nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu> On Behalf Of Peter A Rauch
Sent: Thursday, September 26, 2019 2:42 PM
To: Sarah K. Huber <skhuber at vims.edu>
Cc: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu
Subject: Re: [Nhcoll-l] Why retain physical specimens

CAUTION:This email originated outside the Institution. Unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe, do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments.
[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<mailto: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<mailto:skhuber at vims.edu> | http://www.vims.edu/research/facilities/fishcollection/index.php<https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vims.edu%2Fresearch%2Ffacilities%2Ffishcollection%2Findex.php&data=02%7C01%7Cososkyj%40si.edu%7C05254ac3777a47349de608d742b14d90%7C989b5e2a14e44efe93b78cdd5fc5d11c%7C0%7C0%7C637051201592149840&sdata=%2B%2Bcpp8zPxkH6%2Bbq7B2kZggOtpGbOtyKJN4p%2BLStRPd0%3D&reserved=0>
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